Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers v Brooklyn Nets - Game Three
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Joel Embiid (#21) of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles against Royce O'Neale (#00) of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The 76ers won 102-97. Sarah Stier / Staff

The Philadelphia 76ers will face the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday afternoon without their star player Joel Embiid.

During Game 3, he sustained a right knee sprain while contesting a drive by Nets guard Cam Thomas in the third quarter. Despite the injury, Embiid continued to play for the rest of the game but appeared physically limited.

Potential Suspension for Joel Embiid

An MRI revealed the extent of the injury, and he will miss Game 4 on Saturday. However, there is optimism that he will return early next week.

The injury comes when the Sixers have a 3-0 lead in the first-round series, giving them room for error.

Embiid's availability for Game 4 had already been in question due to a potential suspension for a flagrant foul in Game 3, where he kicked Nets center Nic Claxton near the groin.

However, he avoided suspension or fine, along with James Harden and Claxton, who were both ejected from the game.

Embiid has been a key player for the Sixers, averaging 20.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.3 blocks in the series' first three games. This performance is a strong follow-up to his regular season, where he was one of the contenders to win the NBA MVP award.

In summary, the Philadelphia 76ers will have to compete against the Brooklyn Nets without Joel Embiid, who sustained a right knee sprain during Game 3. Although there is hope he will return early next week, his absence could have an impact on the team's performance.