Sources: Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid's status (out) could still change for Game 3

PHILADELPHIA — 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid is currently being listed as out for Game 3 of Philadelphia's Eastern Conference semifinal against the MiamI Heat, but there is still progress that could be made to change his availability in time to play Friday, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

As 76ers coach Doc Rivers said Thursday afternoon, Embiid has yet to be cleared from the NBA's concussion protocol. He can't be listed besides out until he does.

«No, not yet,» Rivers said when asked if there was a change in Embiid's status. «Still has hurdles to get over. I'm not a doctor. I don't even know all I mean besides the concussion protocols, he has to get through all that and all the other stuff with the injury.»

Embiid hasn't played since being hit in the face with an elbow by Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam in Game 6 of the first round series between the two teams last week.

Philadelphia has certainly missed Embiid, who was named a finalist for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award for a second straight year, through the first two games of the series in Miami. The Heat, even without point guard Kyle Lowry, who has missed four straight games with his own hamstring injury were, able to cruise to comfortable double-digit victories in the first two games of the series.

Lowry is listed as questionable for Game 3, along with several other Heat players — Tyler Herro, Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, P.J. Tucker and Caleb Martin — who all played in Game 2.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, along with several of the team's players, said they are anticipating Embiid's return in the wake of Miami's 119-103 victory in Game 2.

«It changes dramatically,» Spoelstra said Wednesday night when asked what Embiid's return would mean for the