Joel Embiid Has Been Upgraded To Probable For Game 3 Against The Heat (UPDATE)

The Philadelphia 76ers are probably to have their superstar center for Game 3 of their series against the Miami Heat. Despite the fact that Joel Embiid was considered doubtful on Wednesday to take the floor for Thursday night’s game in South Beach, the Sixers have upgraded him to probable just hours before tip. The news was first announced by Ira Winderman, who reported that the team’s internal injury report had Embiid as probable.

Soon after, word dropped that Embiid was indeed upgraded between Wednesday’s declaration that he was considered doubtful and Thursday afternoon.

Embiid said during Game 1 of the series that he expected to take the floor in Game 2 or Game 3, but after sitting out for Philadelphia’s loss to the Heat earlier this week, the big man expressed his frustrations with being “babied” on social media. He had, however, passed the NBA’s concussion protocol, so all that was left for him was to get the green light from the Sixers to return from the orbital surgery he received at the end of March.

It is still to be determined whether Embiid will play in Game 3 or if he’ll be on any type of a minutes restriction, and per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, that decision will be made after warmups before the game.

For now, though, the Sixers look like they will receive a big shot in the arm as they head into Miami for the first time this postseason.

UPDATE: As it turns out, all signs point to “probable” underselling Embiid’s status. According to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports, it is believed that Embiid is going to play — and rock a unique look — unless something unforeseen happens.

Philadelphia coach Brett Brown discussed Embiid’s status for Game 3, including the fact that Embiid will start should he take the floor.