Joel Embiid is doubtful for the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 against Miami Heat tonight

What's the story?

On Thursday morning, The Philadelphia 76ers announced via Twitter that their star forward Joel Embiid is listed as doubtful for Game 3 of their playoffs series tonight against the Miami Heat.

In case you didn't know...

In 63 games played this season, Embiid led the 76ers in scoring with 22.9 points per game. Philadelphia's third-place finish in the Eastern Conference is their best seed since the 2000-01 season when they were the best team in the East.

The heart of the matter

Medical Update:Joel Embiid – (orbital bone fracture, left eye) is doubtful for tomorrow night’s game at Miami.

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 18, 2018

It seems highly unlikely that Embiid will make his NBA Playoffs debut tonight as he continues to recover from a fractured orbital bone that he suffered on March 28th in a collision with teammate Markelle Fultz.

Embiid cleared concussion protocol on Sunday, but Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer stated that a forceful blow to Embiid's face (even with the protective mask) could result in permanent damage to his eyesight.

This is likely the reason why the 76ers do not want to take any chances with their 24-year-old superstar even though Embiid is growing restless. He stated on Instagram recently that he was "sick and tired of being babied" after being told that he is cleared to play.

What's next?

Game 3 between the Heat and the 76ers takes place tonight from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. The series is tied at 1-1 with Philly blowing out Miami in the first game by 27, but losing the second one by 10.

Author's take

After hearing Keith Pompey's report, I don't blame Philadelphia at all for being cautious with Embiid. He may be publicly getting antsy to get back out on the court, but the franchise has finally turned it around.

Losing Embiid in the short term will pay off a lot better in the long run than risking his career and his well-being.