Doc Rivers provides update on 76ers star Joel Embiid thumb injury

Joel Embiid has followed up an MVP-caliber regular season with a phenomenal start to the post-season for the 76ers. While Philadelphia holds a commanding 3-0 lead over the Toronto Raptors following Embiid’s heroic buzzer-beating three, there’s concern regarding the former Kansas star’s thumb.

As the 76ers ready to take on the Raptors in Game 4 at 2:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers provided an update on Embiid.

“Doc Rivers says ‘there’s concern’ about Joel Embiid’s thumb,” tweeted Tim Bontemps of ESPN. “But ‘it is what it is.’ He adds, however, ‘The one thing we know is it can’t get worse.’ Rivers said it’s likely Embiid gets an MRI when he gets back to Philadelphia but he said the team has a good idea what it is.”

Despite the unfortunate injury, Emiid isn’t letting it derail his playoffs. The 76ers star practiced on Friday, and will be ready to go on Saturday. According to ESPN, the star center was seen wearing a wrap on his right thumb during the aforementioned practice, but he’s determined to play through the pain.

Even if the injury was bothering Embiid, you wouldn’t be able to tell — the 76ers star gave a convincing answer when asked if he could miss Game 4.

“No. No chance,” Embiid responded, when asked if his status was in jeopardy.

Moreover, Rivers told the media on Friday that Embiid is “fine” and simply didn’t want anyone to hit his thumb.

“He’s good,” Rivers said after practice, per ESPN. “We did a lot of stuff … we just don’t want anybody to hit his arms and hands and all that. But he’s fine.”

Through three games against the Raptors, Joel Embiid is averaging 27.7 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists over 39.7 minutes per game. The Philadelphia 76ers will look to bring out the brooms in Toronto on Saturday, and give the former Kansas star some time to rest before their next series.