Is Joel Embiid playing tonight against Miami Heat? | NBA Playoffs 2022
The Joel Embiid-led Philadelphia 76ers are all set to take on the Miami Heat tonight in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The series is tied 2-2.
The 76ers had a very good regular-season. Joel Embiid was an MVP finalist despite all the fiasco surrounding Ben Simmons before his exit from the roster to the Brooklyn Nets.
Embiid finished the regular season, averaging 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He shot 37.1% from beyond the arc, 49.9% from the field and 81.4% from the line.
He recorded two triple-doubles and 46 double-doubles during the regular season for the 76ers. He was also by far their best player and secured the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference this year with 51 wins and 31 losses.
Joel Embiid has 11 games with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds this season.
The only players with more in a season since the merger are Russell Westbrook (12 in 2016-17) and Moses Malone (12 in 1981-82).
Both won MVP that season. https://t.co/OQ1KDVEc5k
The 76ers were facing a potential sweep in this series against the Miami Heat without Embiid as they dropped both games in Miami. However, after the return of Embiid in Game 3 and James Harden's performance in Game 4, the 76ers tied the series going into Game 5.
Joel Embiid is questionable for tonight's game against the Miami Heat
The Philadelphia 76ers have officially listed Joel Embiid as questionable for tonight's game against the Miami Heat.
Embiid took a punishing blow to his face in the first-round series against the Toronto Raptors. The incident caused a concussion and a fractured orbital bone as the superstar missed the first two games due to this, along with a thumb injury.
Embiid was listed as out for much of the lead up to Game 3 but ended up suiting up for Philly. The franchise was subsequently fined $50,000 for violating the league's injury reporting rules.
Joel Embiid this playoffs:
— Double teamed constantly
— Torn thumb ligament
— Fractured face
— 24.9 PPG
— 11.3 RPG
— 51.2 FG%
He leads this playoffs with 7 double-doubles, despite missing 2 games. https://t.co/puiuJufohF
As aforementioned, Embiid is without question their best player. His ability to space the floor while being one of the most dominant big men in the game provides the 76ers with so much space offensively.
He takes the scoring burden off the shoulders of Harden and Tyrese Maxey while also being one of the best rim protectors in the game.
The 76ers will need him to be at his best in Game 5, along with James Harden, if they are to steal this game on the road. A win would give them the chance to wrap up the series in Game 6 back in Philly and advance to the Eastern Conference finals.