What to Expect From Joel Embiid and His Knee in Game 3

Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid returned to the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Wednesday, donning a knee brace and logging 15 points and 3 rebounds.

Unfortunately for the 76ers, Embiid’s knee is not likely to improve much ahead of Friday’s Game 3 in Philadelphia.

It has been over two weeks since the original LCL sprain, and likely associated ACL sprain, but he still has instability in his knee and requires a brace to play without the risk of damaging his knee further.

He reportedly underwent a PRP injection in the final week of April, but PRP injections typically take two weeks to take effect and aid with healing.

Embiid is unlikely to have his usual mobility the rest of the series and will likely require the knee brace for the remainder of the playoffs.

Our panel of Pro Basketball Docs did not believe he would play in Game 2, but the team and Embiid chose to suit him up at much less than 100%.

His SIC score for the game was 60, reflecting the limited mobility he would have on both ends of the court.

In 27 minutes, he failed to reach his props for points (25.5) and points, rebounds and assists (37.5). He finished with 15 points (58.9% of his points prop) and 18 points, rebounds and assists (48% of his PRA prop).

Unless the 76ers radically change how he is used, it will continue to be tough for him to reach those marks unless he can supplement that scoring at the free throw line.

Embiid scored 7 of his 15 points at the free-throw line in Game 2 and averaged 10 made free throws per game in the regular season.

Celtics vs. 76ers Game 3 Odds

The 76ers are 2 point underdogs at home in Game 3 and the over/under is 214, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Boston is -255 to win the series, while Philadelphia is +210.

The Celtics are the favorites to win the NBA Finals at +165.

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