Philadelphia 76ers star big man Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Game 4 against the Nets on Saturday afternoon after an MRI showed a sprained right knee, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnaroksi and Ramona Shelburne.
Embiid suffered the injury in the third quarter of Thursday’s Game 3 while contesting a drive by Cam ThomasShelburne reports.
There’s optimism Embiid could be ready to return as soon as early next week, while the Sixers could wrap up the first-round series with a win Saturday.
He scored just 14 points on 5-for-13 shooting with 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 38 minutes of action in Game 3 and was seen limping multiple times during the game. Embiid was also assessed a flagrant 1 foul for kicking Nick Claxton after the Nets center stepped over him.
Additionally, Wojnarowski reported earlier Friday that the NBA will not take further action against Embiid James Hardenwho was ejected from Game 3 for hitting Royce O’Neale in the groin area.
In three wins over the Nets, Embiid is averaging 20.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.3 blocks per game.