(Ep033) Joel Embiid’s Hand & Face Injuries with Former Lakers Physician Dr. Daniel Kharrazi
In another neck-and-neck NBA MVP race, Joel Embiid matched the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic every step of the way. And with James Harden coming to the 76ers in a late-season Ben Simmons trade, Philly’s fans had every reason to hope that this squad could take them back to the Allen Iverson and Dr. J glory days. But then Embiid suffered what is likely a torn UCL in his hand/thumb and took a Pascal Siakam elbow to his eye, fracturing an orbital bone and giving him a mild concussion. Even though the Sixers made it past the Toronto Raptors, they now face an uphill climb against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.
To get an expert opinion on both of Embiid’s injuries, we called up former Lakers team physician Dr. Daniel Kharrazi. In this episode, he shares:
How thumb injuries typically occur in basketball
What having a torn UCL or RCL means for Embiid’s shooting, catching, and other on-court movements
How a new internal brace technology helped Drew Brees and Mike Trout came back quickly from UCL tear surgery
Complications to consider when suffering a fracture to a facial/orbital bone fracture
Why Embiid will likely wear a face mask against the Heat
Which symptoms are post-concussion red flags
Learn more about Dr. Kharrazi HERE. Subscribe to the Basketball Strong Podcast for more NBA playoff injury updates + follow TD on Twitter for pre-hab and rehab tips and techniques.
