Just when it appeared as if things were going perfectly for Joel Embiid and the 76ers during their first-round series against the Raptors, a potential injury setback has emerged.
Embiid was seen wearing a brace on his right wrist at practice Friday between Games 3 and 4, indicating a hand injury suffered in-game. He was seen holding his thumb during Game 3.
#Sixers center Joel Embiid donned a brace on his right wrist during practice. pic.twitter.com/P9CUZliiup
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) April 22, 2022
The Sixers hold a 3-0 series lead over the Raptors. Through those three games, Embiid is averaging 27.7 points and 13.0 rebounds while shooting 51.0 percent from the field. He hit the game-winning 3-pointer in Game 3 on Thursday.
Is there something to be made of the attention placed on Embiid’s hand? Here’s everything we know about his status.
MORE: Watch the NBA playoffs on Sling TV (U.S. only)
What is Joel Embiid’s injury?
While it was an apparent non-issue during Game 3, a report from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski on Friday suggests that there could be ligament damage in Embiid’s right thumb.
Further testing would give the Sixers and Embiid a clearer picture on a possible ligament injury. https://t.co/XhWgJxc6TS
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 22, 2022
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that there is fear Embiid has a torn ligament but that he plans to play through the injury.
There is fear that Philadelphia 76ers All-NBA star Joel Embiid has a torn ligament in his right thumb, but Embiid has vowed to continue playing through the injury, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Embiid will rely on his pain tolerance and 76ers‘ medical staff.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 22, 2022
Yahoo’s Chris Haynes reports that while Embiid intends to play in Game 4, he will get an MRI on his right thumb when the team returns to Philadelphia.
Sixers star Joel Embiid intends to play today in Game 4 against the Toronto Raptors, but plans to get an MRI on his right thumb when the team returns to Philadelphia, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 23, 2022
As of 5:30 p.m. ET on Friday, April 22, Embiid was not listed on Saturday’s injury report.
Joel Embiid injury history
Embiid has battled a number of injuries throughout his career, including foot injuries that delayed his NBA debut by two years.
In recent years, Embiid’s playoff runs have been impacted by injuries.
During his playoff debut in 2018, Embiid was forced to play in a mask due to a fractured orbital bone. In 2021, Embiid suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee but missed just one game.
This past season, Embiid appeared in a career-best 68 games. He missed five games because of injury/rest and nine games while in the league’s health and safety protocols.
Based on the above reporting and Embiid’s postseason history, he will likely play through this latest injury.
Raptors vs. 76ers series schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| April 23 | Game 4 | 2 p.m. | TNT |
| April 25 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
| April 28 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
| April 30 | Game 7* | TBD | TNT |
* If necessary.