Sixers' Joel Embiid listed as out for Game 3, but status could change

Joel Embiid is listed as out for Game 3 against the Heat on Friday, but the availability of the Sixers All-Star center could change before game time, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

With Miami up 2-0 and the series shifting to Philadelphia, Embiid must be listed as out since he’s still in concussion protocols, per Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice.com. Listing him as “out” does not necessarily mean he will be sidelined for Game 3; it means he hasn’t cleared protocols yet, Neubeck explains.

NBA injury list rules would allow the Sixers to update his status through the day Friday, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel notes.

Embiid suffered an orbital fracture and mild concussion when he was struck by Pascal Siakam in the late going of Philadelphia’s first-round clincher against the Raptors. The Sixers have been encouraged by Embiid’s progress this week.

The Heat have listed six players as questionable for Game 3, the team’s PR department notes. Kyle Lowry (hamstring), Tyler Herro (ankle), Caleb Martin (ankle), Max Strus (hamstring), P.J. Tucker (calf) and Gabe Vincent (knee) hold that designation but are all traveling to Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon. Lowry hasn’t played since Game 3 of the first-round series against Atlanta.