Sixers’ Joel Embiid Clears Concussion Protocol Ahead of Game 3

Joel Embiid is still listed as out for tonight's Game 3 matchup against the Miami Heat, but has cleared a major hurdle in trying to return to the court.

According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, the big man has cleared the concussion protocol and was a part of the teams shootaround this morning. While he is still listed as out, there is some hope that his status could change before tonight's 7 p.m. tip-off.

It’s at least a promising sign that Embiid was out on the court after missing the past two games of the second-round series with a orbital fracture and concussion suffered late in the fourth quarter of Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors.

Head coach Doc Rivers said after Game 2 that Embiid was progressing.

The centers presence has been severly missed, with Heat Center Bam Adebayo having his way in the pain against the likes of DeAndre Jordan and Paul Reed, who have been subbing for Embiid.

Embiid is also still dealing with a torn ligament in his right thumb, that will require surgery when the season is over and will likely have to wear a mask to protect the orbital bone if and when he does return to the court.

The Sixers take on the Heat in Game 3 of their second-round series at 7 p.m. Tune to 97.3 ESPN South Jersey's Sixerss Station with Tom McGinnis calling all the action.