Joel Embiid not cleared for full contact but not ruled out

MIAMI -- All-Star center Joel Embiid hasn't yet been cleared for full contact, but Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown says there is still a chance that Embiid can play in Game 3 of the team's first-round series against the Miami Heat on Thursday.

Embiid remains listed as doubtful. A final decision on his status is expected closer to tipoff on Thursday night.

Brown said that Embiid took "a little bit" of contact during practice on Wednesday, which he participated in while wearing a protective mask. Embiid was expected to participate in the team's shootaround on Thursday morning.

Brown said before the shootaround that Embiid was progressing toward being cleared for full contact.

"To just let him go out there right now (and play Game 3), it's still all on the table," Brown said. "You guys know what I know. He did some contact (Wednesday), it's progressing. I don't feel like I can really share anything new."

Embiid has missed the first two games of the Heat-Sixers series, which is tied 1-1.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined since March 28 because of a broken orbital bone and a concussion. He cleared the NBA's concussion protocol earlier this week.

Brown has stressed that Embiid -- who averaged 22.9 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 63 games in the regular season -- will not be rushed back if Philadelphia falls behind in the best-of-seven series against Miami.

"It's about what's best for Joel's health," Brown said earlier this week.

Brown said on Thursday that the decision to activate Embiid will be a collaborative one involving team doctors, the player and other members of the organization.

"We feel like we are (all) responsible with his health," the coach said.

History shows that Game 3 has been pivotal in best-of-seven NBA series that are tied at 1-1. The winner of Game 3 has won 73 percent of series that are tied 1-1.