76ers' Joel Embiid gives health update following injury scare
TL;DR
Joel Embiid returned to play for the 76ers after an emergency appendectomy, scoring 26 points in his comeback game. He faced an injury scare during the final match against the Celtics but continued to perform strongly.
Key points
- Joel Embiid had an emergency appendectomy before the playoffs
- He returned to score 26 points in his first game back
- Embiid had a strong performance with multiple games over 30 points
- He faced an injury scare in the final match against the Celtics
76ers' Joel Embiid gives health update following injury scare originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
One of the overriding narratives spanning the opening round between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics was the health of former MVP Joel Embiid, who, just ahead of the postseason, underwent an emergency appendectomy. The timetable for the Cameroonianâs return wasnât known at the time, and would have major implications on Philadelphiaâs performance, given his output when he is on the court.
While Embiid sat out of the Play-In match against the Orlando Magic and the first three matches against the Celtics, he made his return in game four, dropping 26 points and ten rebounds. But this would be the start of a strong stretch for the former MVP, having two nights of 30 points or more to his name down the stretch, including a 34-point, 12-rebound, six-assist statline in game seven against Boston.
It wouldnât be as easy as it sounds for Embiid during the final match against Boston, as he was pulled at one point, emerging from the tunnel with what appeared to be a brace on his lower section, as well as taking Maxeyâs weight against his knee following a pushoff from Jaylen Brown, late in the fourth quarter.
Embiid provides a light-hearted update
The latter of the two incidents would see Embiid immediately limp up the court after securing the board for his team, which wouldâve been a worrying sight for the Philadelphia faithful, but following the win, he provided a humorous update on how he is feeling.
âI feel great, I feel amazing,â Embiid stated to the press. âI was faking it.â
While the Sixers havenât released their injury report for their opening match against the New York Knicks, it will be something to keep an eye on.
Game one between Philadelphia and New York is set for Monday night, with tip-off slated for 8:00 p.m. EST.
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- How Luka Doncic could still win NBA MVP award despite season-ending injury
- Collin Gillespie breaks Phoenix Suns' 3-point record for a single season
- Zion Williamson gets brutally honest regarding his future with New Orleans Pelicans
Q&A
What was Joel Embiid's injury before the playoffs?
Joel Embiid underwent an emergency appendectomy just ahead of the postseason.
How did Joel Embiid perform after returning from his injury?
After returning, Embiid scored 26 points in his first game back and had multiple games with over 30 points.
What happened to Joel Embiid during the final game against the Celtics?
In the final game against the Celtics, Embiid was seen with a brace on his lower body and experienced a moment of concern after taking a hit to his knee.
