Sixers’ Joel Embiid Expected To Miss Games 1 and 2, Could Wear Mask Upon Return

All-Star center Joel Embiid is expected to miss Games 1 and 2 for the 76ers’ series vs. the Heat, then potentially return for Game 3, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said on SportsCenter.

The first two games of the series are in Miami, followed by Games 3 and 4 in Philadelphia.

Embiid is in concussion protocol after suffering an orbital fracture in the first round vs. the Raptors. Per Wojnarowski, there is “hope and optimism” from the Sixers on Embiid returning for Game 3.

When he does finally play again, it is likely that Embiid will sport a protective mask to protect the injury. He is expected to see a doctor to have the fracture re-examined in the middle of the week. 

Along with the blow to his face, Embiid has a torn ligament in his thumb, but is waiting until the offseason to undergo surgery.