76ers' Joel Embiid doubtful for Game 5 due to knee injury

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

76ers' Joel Embiid doubtful for Game 5 vs. Wizards due to knee injury

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/1/21

The update on Philadelphia 76ers star big man and NBA Most Valuable Player candidate Joel Embiid isn't disastrous, but it also isn't good.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports Embiid will be doubtful for Game 5 of the playoff series against the Washington Wizards in Philadelphia on Wednesday because of the right knee injury he suffered in Monday's contest that Washington won to avoid a sweep.

Embiid went down in the first quarter of Monday's matchup after he had an attempt cleanly blocked by Wizards center Robin Lopez but fell awkwardly:

He appeared to be favoring his lower right back area and knee while he attempted to play through the discomfort and tallied eight points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal in 11 minutes of action before his night ended early. Tuesday's update follows Embiid having an MRI to determine the nature of the setback.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst previously stated there was "a level of concern" among Philadelphia players and coaches about Embiid's status, as there's little chance the 76ers will compete for the championship if their starting center is out for weeks or longer.

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