PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid might be the most star-crossed figure in Philadelphia sports history. Who else compares? Perhaps Eric Lindros. More and more, the two seem kindred spirits, such obvious and marvelous talents, such promise never quite fulfilled for reasons out of their control. The injuries. The mismanagement. The trap doors that they fall through again and again.
The 76ers revealed late Friday night that Embiid had suffered an orbital fracture and a concussion in the team’s series-closing victory Thursday night over the Raptors. Of course they did. The injuries will keep Embiid out of the lineup indefinitely. Of course they will.
They happened eight days after he tore a ligament in his right thumb during Game 3 — and hit the game-winning 3-pointer anyway. Of course they did. No one knows whether he will be able to play in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat, a series that begins Monday night. Play? Only if his luck changes.
