Joel Embiid injury update: 76ers star records double-double in return from orbital fracture

Scott Rafferty

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Joel Embiid injury update: 76ers star records double-double in return from orbital fracture image

76ers star Joel Embiid is dealing with another injury.

Ahead of Philadelphia's second-round matchup with Miami in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, Shams Charania of the Athletic broke the news that Embiid had suffered a right orbital fracture and mild concussion.

Embiid was already playing through a torn ligament in his right thumb.

Here's the latest on Embiid's injury.

What is Joel Embiid's injury?

The 76ers confirmed that Embiid has suffered a right orbital fracture and mild concussion.

The injury occurred in Philadelphia's Game 6 win over Toronto in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

This appears to be the play Embiid suffered the injury on:

How long will Joel Embiid be out?

On May 1, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that there was "optimism" he could return as soon as Game 3 or 4 of the series after missing Games 1 and 2 in Miami. 

Embiid was listed out on the eve of Game 3, with ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reporting that the 76ers would make a "final decision much closer to game time" with the big man required to clear concussion protocols and get cleared for the orbital fracture.

Embiid was eventually cleared to play and helped the 76ers win Game 3, recording 18 points and 11 rebounds in 36 minutes of play.

Embiid suffered a left orbital fracture during the 2017-18 season that required surgery. He missed the final eight games of the regular season and the first two games of the playoffs, sidelining him for around three weeks.

Scott Rafferty

Scott Rafferty Photo

 

Scott Rafferty is an experienced NBA journalist who first started writing for The Sporting News in 2017. There are few things he appreciates more than a Nikola Jokic no-look pass, Klay Thompson heat check or Giannis Antetokounmpo eurostep. He's a member of the NBA Global team.