Joel Embiid Doubtful For Game 4 Return

The Philadelphia 76ers are listing Joel Embiid as doubtful for Game 4 of their first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets.Embiid has been bothered by a sore left knee, but was able to play in the first two games of the series. He warmed up before Game 3 on Thursday night before it was decided that he couldn't play.Embiid worked out Friday at the 76ers' practice in New York but coach Brett Brown said he didn't know and didn't have a gut feeling about whether his All-Star center would be able to go Saturday afternoon. That would be his consecutive playoff game missed due to his knee soreness which he reported has gotten worse.

 Despite not being 100 percent, Embiid is averaging 22.5 points and 12.5 rebounds in 22.6 minutes per game in two games vs. the Nets. He missed his first game of the postseason on Thursday, when the 76ers claimed a 131-115 victory over the Nets in Brooklyn. In Embiid's absence, Ben Simmons erupted for a career night. Simmons posted a postseason career-high 31 points, four rebounds and nine assists with Greg Monroe filling in for Embiid in the post.
Tobias Harris, who's had a relatively quiet series, totaled 29 points while JJ Redick chipped in with 26.

Heads turned when the 76ers were upset by the Nets in Game 1, but now their offensive versatility. Philadelphia could prove to be a serious threat, even without the physically imposing Embiid imposing his will on both ends. If Philadelphia can steal another win and can close this series out by game 5 Some extra rest could prove to be beneficial for Embiid and the rest of the team.