Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers says Joel Embiid available for Game 4 as thumb injury 'can't get worse'

Joel Embiid is available for Game 4 of the 76ers' first-round series against the Raptors despite a thumb injury.

Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers said «there's concern» about the injury, but «it is what it is.»

«The one thing we know is it can't get worse,» Rivers said.

Embiid is experiencing significant pain and discomfort in his right thumb. The initial exam suggested ligament damage, sources told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski, but an MRI is still needed to learn the extent of the injury. Rivers said Embiid will likely get an MRI when the team gets back to Philadelphia.

Rivers declined to confirm whether or not Embiid has ligament damage but said, «It's not a good injury. I'll leave it at that.»

With a 3-0 lead over the Raptors, the Sixers have a chance to close out the series Saturday afternoon.

An MVP candidate, Embiid has been the best player in the series, averaging 27.7 points and 13.0 rebounds entering Game 4.