Dr. David Chao: Expect Joel Embiid to Play For Sixers in Key Game 3

Philadelphia star center Joel Embiid is currently officially listed as "doubtful" today versus Miami, but we anticipate that he will indeed play. He started the day as "out," but has since been cleared from the concussion protocol, so there are no real hurdles to suiting up.

This is essentially an elimination game. If the Sixers lose, they will go down 0-3 to the Heat. Embiid could not circumvent the concussion protocol, but that obstacle has been removed. So Embiid can choose to play through the orbital fracture. He has already chosen to play through a thumb ligament injury that will need surgery.

DOC RIVERS DEFENDS PLAYING JOEL EMBIID IN GARBAGE TIME BEFORE INJURY

Our original expected return from the non-displaced orbital fracture was 7-10 days, and this is day eight. Embiid has dealt with a similar injury on the other side of his face and played effectively with a mask. The biggest factor in his performance will still be his thumb.

Yesterday, we anticipated that he had a good chance to be upgraded to play.

Get ahead of the action, as the FanDuel line was Sixers +4 and money line +145. That is already moving and will move more when Embiid is formally announced to play.