Joel Embiid: 76ers Star Ruled Out for Game 4 vs. Brooklyn Nets With Injury

• Philadelphia 76ers have been dealt a blow after their superstar Joel Embiid was ruled out for Game 4 against the Brooklyn Nets
• Embiid was diagnosed with a right knee sprain but is reportedly expected to return as early as next week
• The MVP frontrunner is 20 points, 11.3 rebounds, and four assists per game against the Nets
• The Sixers lead the series 3-0 and could close it on Sunday in Brooklyn

Eastern Conference contenders Philadelphia 76ers will have to make do without their superstar Joel Embiid in Game 4 vs. the Brooklyn Nets in their first-round series.

The Cameroonian was recently diagnosed with a right knee sprain, joining NBA stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant, who've been injured in the playoffs so far.

According to ESPN, the MVP candidate could return as soon as early next week. The Sixers lead the series 3-0 and could close it on Saturday, April 22, in Brooklyn.

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The center was seen limping heavily in Game 3, and it is unclear when he sustained the injury. After the game, He was spotted wearing an ice pack but said he was fine.

What the injury means

The Sixers have shown plenty of times they can win without Embiid. However, concerns would come in the latter stages of the playoffs, where they'll probably meet NBA title contenders like the Boston Celtics. In such a series, they'll need Embiid at his best and healthy.

Doc Rivers's side went 11-5 without Embiid this season, per the Athletic. Moreover, the All-Star has not played at his best in the first three games of the playoffs. He scored 26 points in Game 1, 20 points and 19 rebounds in Game 2, and 14 points in Game 3.

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With Embiid sidelines, the Sixers will likely use Paul Reed at center. James Harden and Tyrese Maxey will spearhead scoring for them.

Embiid has missed games due to injury in the playoffs in each of the last five seasons.

Embiid named MVP finalist

Sports Brief earlier reported on 76ers superstar Embiid being named as a finalist for this season's MVP award.

He has finished second in MVP voting for the last two seasons but is the favorite to scoop the award this time.

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo are the other two finalists.