76ers’ Embiid injures right hand in win over Suns

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers high fives JJ Redick #17 after scoring against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 31, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

PHOENIX— Philadelphia center Joel Embiid injured his right hand going after an inbounds pass late in the fourth quarter of the 76ers’ 123-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night.

Embiid had X-rays taken and his hand wrapped in ice after the game, and said he thinks he will be fine.

“They said it wasn’t broken. They think it was sprained, so I guess that’s good news,” Embiid said.

Embiid had 22 points and nine rebounds in 31 minutes Sunday. The play in which he was hurt happened with 3:54 left in the game, and he was called for a loose ball foul after hitting the floor.

Embiid came out of the game with 41.1 seconds left and the Sixers up by 12.

Philadelphia coach Brett Brown didn’t have an update when asked about Embiid’s injury status after the game, nor did the team before the Sixers left the arena.

Embiid has had an extensive injury history that includes foot and knee surgeries that have limited his ability to play since he was drafted third overall in 2014. More recently, he has dealt with back tightness.

“The way he plays, there’s always a chance (for injury), you know,” Brown said. “It’s like with everybody, but him especially. I think the fact that he just hasn’t practiced, the awkward moments, unorthodox moments scare you a little bit more.”