ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday afternoon that Philadelphia 76ers star and NBA Most Valuable Player candidate Joel Embiid would be doubtful for Wednesday’s Game 5 matchup against the Washington Wizards in Philadelphia. Embiid suffered a right knee injury early in Monday’s Game 4 loss that prevented a four-game first-round sweep for the Sixers.
Philadelphia confirmed Embiid won’t play Wednesday and is considered “day-to-day” with a small lateral meniscus tear in his right knee.
According to Wojnarowski and ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Embiid’s status past Wednesday’s game will depend on pain in the knee and potential swelling during his recovery.
The 27-year-old suffered the setback in the first quarter of Monday’s contest when he fell awkwardly after having an attempt cleanly rejected by Wizards center Robin Lopez:
Embiid initially grabbed his lower right back area and was seen limping after he attempted to play through the discomfort. In total, he logged 11 minutes and recorded eight points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal before he was sidelined for the remainder of the game.
If necessary, Game 6 between the clubs would occur Friday evening in Washington.
