Sixers Notes: Embiid, Harris, Lineup Changes

Sixers center Joel Embiid insists that his sprained right thumb won’t cause him to miss any playoff games, writes Tim Bontemps of ESPN. A report earlier today said an initial exam showed a ligament tear, but that can’t be confirmed until Embiid undergoes an MRI, which will happen when the team returns to Philadelphia.

He managed to play 39 minutes in today’s game while wearing a wrap on his thumb and a brace on his hand. Afterward, he told reporters that he’ll wait for the offseason if he needs to have surgery.

“I want to play, so obviously got to listen to what they have to say,” Embiid said, referring to the team’s medical staff. “So, I would imagine that I keep playing and probably do something after the season.”

There’s more from Philadelphia:

• Embiid may face a fine for his reaction to the officiating after today’s loss, per Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Embiid gave a “golf clap” to the referees as he left the court after the game and later insinuated that they were trying to force the series to a fifth game. “I’m going to take my own advice and not complain about fouls,” he said, “but like I was doing at the end of the game: They did a great job. I admire the job that they did today. To me, it felt like they had one job coming in here tonight. And they got it done. Congrats to them, tonight.”
• Tobias Harris is dealing with a blood spot in his left eye as a result of being hit during Game 3, Pompey tweets. He’s able to play through it, logging 41 minutes in today’s game. Meanwhile, Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia examines how Harris has accepted a new role in the offense since the trade for James Harden in February. “Tobias has had to make more changes than anybody on our team,” coach Doc Rivers said. “And he keeps doing it without complaint, and it’s such a great example for what a good teammate should be. And he’s been doing it every night.”
• The Sixers, who were 16-16 on Christmas Day, were able to reinvent themselves as the season went along, observes Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia. They have the fourth-best record in the league since then and were still evolving heading into the playoffs, Frank adds. Tyrese Maxey and Georges Niang became more reliable long-distance shooters, Paul Reed took over as the backup center, Furkan Korkmaz and Matisse Thybulle had their playing time cut and Harden has given them an accomplished playmaker.