Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is doubtful for Wednesday’s Game 5 against the Washington Wizards, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Embiid had an MRI on his right knee Tuesday and will reportedly be evaluated further over the next day.
Embiid left Monday’s Game 4 after taking a hard fall in the first quarter. The 27-year old center drove to the basket but had his shot blocked by Wizards center Robin Lopez. Embiid landed awkwardly after the shot.
Initially looked as if he may have hurt his hip or back. He remained in the game but headed to the locker room during the final seconds of the first quarter. He did not return and was diagnosed with right knee soreness.
His absence proved detrimental for the 76ers and a gain for the Wizards. Washington erased an 11-point deficit and eventually led the game by as many as 14 points in rout to a 122-114 win.
The Wizards staved off elimination with the win, avoiding a four-game sweep. Now the series shifts back to Philadelphia for Game 5 with the 76ers looking to finish the series with a win. However, they’ll have to do so without its All-Star center.
Despite being limited to 10 minutes and eight points before his injury in Game 4, Embiid is averaging 24 points and 6.8 rebounds in 23.8 minutes for the series. He is shooting 63.5% from the field and a more impressive 46.2% from three.
Those are numbers Philadelphia will miss if Embiid is unable to play Wednesday.
