the 2022 NBA playoffs are offering up another appetizing slate of games Saturday.
The Philadelphia 76ers have the opportunity to wrap up their first-round series against the Toronto Raptors, but not without adversity. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that star center Joel Embiid is experiencing significant pain in his right thumb and may undergo an MRI to determine if he suffered any ligament damage.
But Embiid said there’s “not a chance” he’ll miss Game 4 in Toronto. Philadelphia leads the series 3-0. No team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit to win an NBA playoff series.
“I’m coming for the sweep,” Embiid said.
The Nets host the Celtics for Game 3 in Brooklyn and may have Ben Simmons in the lineup soon. Boston leads the series 2-0. The Timberwolves are looking to bounce back in Game 4 in Minnesota from a total collapse against the Grizzles. Memphis leads 2-1.
Saturday’s action is rounded out by Game 4 in Utah between the Jazz and Mavericks, who are likely to be without Luka Doncic. Dallas leads the series 2-1.
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Check out USA TODAY Sports’ analysis from all of Saturday’s action:
Joel Embiid struggles in first quarter
Playing with an injured right (shooting) thumb, Sixers center Joel Embiid missed all five of his first-quarter shot attempts and had just one point, two rebounds and one assists in 11 minutes, 42 seconds of action in the opening quarter against Toronto in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.
It was 24-24 after one quarter.
“I think he’s fine,” Sixers coach Doc Rivers told TNT between quarters. “Obviously, he’s going to struggle with it a little bit. He’s got to get used to it, too. He’s never played with it. I think we’re both going to learn a lot – what he can do and what he can’t do.”
It’s an interesting development worth watching not only in this game but the rest of the playoffs.
Raptors’ Scottie Barnes named Rookie of the Year
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes has been named NBA Rookie of the Year, beating out Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley and Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons. Barnes won the award by 15 total points over Mobley, the smallest margin of victory under the current voting format.
Barnes averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 74 games this season and shot 49% from the field. Barnes, 20, was the fourth overall pick by Toronto in the 2021 NBA draft out of Florida State.
Joel Embiid available for Game 4
According to multiple reports, there is fear that Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is dealing with a torn ligament in his right thumb, but Embiid said he will continue to play. Embiid was on the court for his usual pregame shooting routine. He had a wrap on the thumb but was getting up shots and going through his usual routine.
When asked during his pregame availability if Embiid suffered a ligament tear, 76ers coach Doc Rivers said, “Yeah, I mean I’m not sure, but it feels like it’s not a great injury. I’m just going to leave it at that .” Rivers added: “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 of what it is.
Embiid is averaging 27.7 points and 13 rebounds in the first three games of the series, including hitting a game-winning 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds left in overtime in Game 3 that sent Philadelphia to a 3-0 series lead.
If the Sixers can close out the series in Game 4 on Saturday, Embiid could have a week to rest before starting the second round.
Luka Doncic listed as probable
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic was listed as likely to suit up for a crucial game 4 against the Utah Jazz with a left calf strain
If Doncic plays, he will be on a minute restriction so he can’t further aggravate the calf injury that has sidelined him for the past two weeks, ESPN reported.
Luka Doncic listed as questionable
Luka Doncic is listed as questionable for Game 4 in Utah. Coach Jason Kidd said Doncic is “going in the right direction,” but will be a game time decision.
Doncic has been sidelined the entire first-round series so far after he suffered a left calf strain during the regular-season finale against the San Antonio Spurs earlier this month. After dropping the series opener, the Mavericks have won the last two games, thanks to Jalen Brunson with 41 points in Game 2 and 31 more in Game 3.
Injuries piling up for contenders
Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid is dealing with a right thumb injury. Phoenix’s Devin Booker and Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton likely will miss the rest of their first-round series and perhaps some second-round games.
And now, Miami’s Kyle Lowry is bothered by a left hamstring injury sustained in the third quarter of Atlanta’s Game 3 victory against the Heat. Lowry left the game with 1:59 remaining in the third quarter and did not return.
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George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism