The Philadelphia 76ers are absolutely cruising in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors, currently holding a 3-0 series lead heading into Game 4 on Saturday. While the Sixers are definitely playing well as a collective unit, Joel Embiid is undoubtedly the driving force behind their brilliance like he's been all season long. The big man hit a game-winning triple in OT on Wednesday and is averaging 27.7 points and 13 rebounds in the series.

However, Embiid and the Sixers were handed some concerning news on Friday. The MVP finalist has suffered a thumb sprain and there is a fear he could have a torn ligament. Embiid plans to play in Game 4 and beyond, but this is far from ideal for a Sixers team that is motivated to make a title run.

With that said, here are 3 burning questions for the Sixers moving forward after Embiid's injury.

3 burning questions for Sixers after Joel Embiid's injury

3. Should the Sixers rest Embiid in Game 4?

Embiid has made it clear he's good to go in Game 4 but with a 3-0 lead, should Philly even risk it? Sure, the All-Star is just fine with playing through the pain. But, the more wear and tear he puts on the thumb, the worst it's going to get. The Sixers might not have a lot of frontcourt depth, but they're truly playing like a team right now. Tyrese Maxey is balling out, Georges Niang, Tobias Harris, and Danny Green are hitting shots, and James Harden is thriving as a top-notch facilitator. Losing one game in the series isn't a huge deal, but the Sixers do have enough talent to come out victorious here sans Embiid. For the sake of his long-term health in the playoffs, it could be a smart decision.

2. Is this a concern for Philly's title aspirations?

Embiid literally has no time to rest his thumb. If they sweep the Raptors, the Sixers might be able to regroup for a short period, but with the Heat in cruise control against the Hawks, Philadelphia will be back at it in the conference semifinals not long from now. It's no secret the 76ers need Embiid to be at his absolute best in order for this squad to win a title this season, along with Harden doing his thing and Maxey, among others. But, if he continues to play through the pain, how bad can it really get? Embiid won't be able to fully recover. The Sixers can't win a championship if he makes it worse and goes on the shelf.

1. How serious is it?

Alright, possibly some torn ligaments in Embiid's thumb. That doesn't sound great, but we also don't know how much it's really bothering the Sixers star. Given his injury history, Embiid clearly has a very high pain tolerance. The big man wants a ring more than anything, too. It will be very hard to keep him off the floor, no matter the aches and pains. Also, the Sixers training staff will be doing literally everything imaginable to help him heal the thumb in between games with around-the-clock treatment.

Once Embiid gets an MRI, we'll all know a lot more. But, there is no doubt as a Sixers fan, this is a worrisome sight.