By Josh Liddick, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The wait is still on for Joel Embiid (orbital bone fracture) to return to action for the Sixers in the first round of the playoffs. The Sixers head on the road for Games 3 and 4 with the series tied with the Heat at one game a-piece.
Joel Embiid has not been cleared to play. His status for game three has not been determined. The next status update will be tomorrow.
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoNBCS) April 17, 2018
According to reports, Joel Embiid still has not yet been cleared by the Sixers to make his playoff debut. Although, his status for Game 3 still hasn't been ruled out entirely.
Embiid voiced his displeasure with the Sixers "babying" his injury, wanting so badly to play for the team that drafted him in 2014, with one goal in mind: Take the 76ers to the playoffs.
Following Monday's game, and after his profane Instagram story surfaced, Embiid talked to ESPN, showing his uncertainty of playing on Thursday night, that he 'may not' play in that game.
The Sixers fell to the Heat on Monday in Game 2 at the Wells Fargo Center after trailing most of the game. The team rallied from behind late, but Miami kept the pedal on the metal and came away victorious 113-103.
Head Coach Brett Brown told the media just how sorely the Sixers missed Joel Embiid in that loss.
Brett Brown said tonight was a really strong example of a game that the team needs Joel Embiid.
— Michael K-B (@therealmikekb) April 17, 2018
On Tuesday afternoon, Embiid participated in his first scripted practice session since suffering the injury, as the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey reported.
The Sixers cannot afford to trail the series 2-1 after Thursday night, especially with the Heat threatening to sweep the home series putting the Sixers on the brink of a first round exit when they return home next Tuesday.
Embiid's facial injury doesn't affect his mobility on the floor. He knows, and the Sixers should know how much of a difference the game will be if Embiid is out there playing.
Hopefully, the Sixers will listen to Embiid and let him make the decision that everyone wants to see.
