PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 02: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers warm up before playing against the Washington Wizards during Game Five of the Eastern Conference first round series at Wells Fargo Center on June 2, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
With the Philadelphia 76ers not suiting up Joel Embiid for Game 5 against the Washington Wizards, his knee injury doesn’t look to be a serious one.
As soon as it was announced Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid would sit out Game 5 against Washington, fans started to panic a bit. Embiid, dealing with a small meniscus tear, has battled knee injuries throughout his career, so for this to happen in the postseason of course would bring panic.
Fortunately for Philadelphia, it looks like Embiid is going to be just fine. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnajowski, it doesn’t look like the star center will be shut down. Instead, the team is taking precautions with him and they’re hoping his pain and swelling will go down.
Joel Embiid could return for the 76ers sooner than later this postseason
With that update, the Philadelphia faithful may be able to sleep tonight. The team isn’t in the clear yet, however, as Embiid is dealing with pain and swelling in his banged-up knee. Embiid has been nothing short of sensational for the Sixers this season.
Before going down with his injury, he was averaging only 24.0 points per game against Washington, but he absolutely stole the show in Game 3 last Saturday, scoring 36 points and adding 8 rebounds. Even more impressive, he shot 14-of-18 from the floor. When Embiid is playing so well, the 76ers look like real threats to head to the NBA Finals.
It goes without saying, but the team will absolutely need Embiid on the floor if they want any shot at taking down the Brooklyn Nets or Milwaukee Bucks in the East. For now, Embiid will continue to rehab and get his knee as healthy as possible. There looks to be a strong chance that we’ll be seeing him suit up for the next round, should the 76ers indeed get past Washington.