On Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers were listing center Joel Embiid as doubtful to play in their Game 3 matchup against the Miami Heat on Thursday night, but as of Thursday afternoon, just a couple hours before the game, Embiid is now listed as probable to play in the game.
Per Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer:
The NBA internal injury report now has Joel Embiid listed as probable.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) April 19, 2018
The Sixers headed to South Beach with Embiid unlikely to play due to the orbital fracture to his left eye as well as a concussion. He's been out since March 28, had surgery later in the week, and missed the final eight games of the regular season with the hope that he'd be back for the playoffs. Now, it appears he has a good shot to return for Game 3.
According to an earlier report from Pompey, if Embiid were to play and take an elbow to the eye, it could cause permanent damage. A career-changing injury like that isn't worth the risk by any means, but Embiid says he wants to be out there and he could very well be cleared to do so.
In 63 appearances this regular season, Embiid averaged 22.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game on 48.3 percent shooting from the field and 30.8 percent from beyond the arc.