The Philadelphia 76ers have been hit hard by injuries during the playoffs, and Game 3 against the Washington Wizards is no exception. Here’s a look at the injury report for the 76ers heading into Game 3.
Joel Embiid
The biggest concern for the 76ers is the health of their star center, Joel Embiid. Embiid suffered a small lateral meniscus tear in his right knee during Game 4 of the 76ers’ first-round series against the Washington Wizards. He missed Game 5 of that series but returned for Game 1 against the Atlanta Hawks in the second round.
Embiid had a solid performance in Game 1, scoring 39 points and grabbing nine rebounds, but he struggled in Game 2. He scored 21 points but shot just 6-of-18 from the field and had four turnovers. Embiid also appeared to be favoring his injured knee at times during the game.
After Game 2, Embiid said he was “not sure” about his availability for Game 3. “I’m just trying to take it one day at a time,” he said. “See how my body feels, and then go from there.”
The Philadelphia 76ers will certainly be hoping that Embiid is able to play in Game 3, as he is their best player and one of the top centers in the league. If Embiid is unable to go, the Philadelphia 76ers will likely turn to backup center Dwight Howard, who had a solid Game 2 with 12 points and six rebounds in 17 minutes.
Danny Green
In addition to Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers will also be without starting shooting guard Danny Green for Game 3. Green suffered a right calf strain during the first quarter of Game 2 and did not return to the game.
Green has been a key contributor for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, averaging 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 40.5% from three-point range. The 76ers will miss his outside shooting and veteran leadership in Game 3.
The Philadelphia 76ers will likely turn to rookie shooting guard
The 76ers will likely turn to rookie shooting guard Tyrese Maxey to start in Green’s place. Maxey had a solid Game 2, scoring 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting in 26 minutes off the bench. The 76ers will need him to step up again in Game 3.
George Hill
The 76ers will also be without backup point guard George Hill for Game 3. Hill has been dealing with a left knee contusion and has not played since Game 2 of the first-round series against the Wizards.
Hill was acquired by the 76ers in a midseason trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder and has provided valuable veteran leadership and playoff experience off the bench. The 76ers will miss his ballhandling and ability to run the offense in Game 3.
The 76ers will likely turn to rookie point guard Shake Milton to take on a larger role in Hill’s absence. Milton struggled in Game 2, scoring just two points on 1-of-5 shooting in 14 minutes off the bench. The 76ers will need him to bounce back in Game 3.
In Conclusion
The 76ers will be shorthanded once again in Game 3 against the Washington Wizards. Joel Embiid’s status is the biggest question mark, as the 76ers will need him to be at his best if they hope to win this series and advance in the playoffs. The 76ers will also miss Danny Green’s shooting and veteran leadership and George Hill’s ballhandling and playoff experience.
The 76ers will need their role players to step up in Game 3 and fill
