NBA playoff injuries: Joel Embiid sidelined with orbital fracture; Khris Middleton to miss series vs. Celtics

Let's examine the injury landscape across the league

The 2022 NBA playoffs are in full swing, and second-round action is underway, We've already seen all sorts of incredible action on the floor this postseason. Unfortunately, there's also been a number of injuries, as contenders in each conference, including last season's finalists -- the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns -- have had to deal with injury issues. 

Milwaukee is without Khris Middleton for their second round series against the Boston Celtics due to a MCL sprain. Meanwhile, Devin Booker missed three games in the first round due to a hamstring strain, but he returned to close out the series and has been playing in the second round. Also, 76ers center Joel Embiid is out indefinitely after suffering a fractured orbital bone and a mild concussion against the Toronto Raptors in the first round. 

As the playoffs continue, here's a look at the most significant injuries around the league, and when these players might be back on the court. To see more injury updates around the league, click here.

Joel Embiid Philadelphia 76ers C

INJURY: Orbital fracture, concussion | STATUS: Out indefinitely
Joel Embiid is out indefinitely after suffering a right orbital fracture and mild concussion in the team's 132-97 series-clinching Game 6 win over the Toronto Raptors. Embiid was already playing through a thumb injury that reportedly will require surgery this offseason. Embiid was ruled out for Games 1 and 2 against Miami, but there's internal optimism that he will be able to return to action at some point in the series.

Kyle Lowry Miami Heat PG

INJURY: Hamstring strain; STATUS: Out indefinitely
Lowry has missed the first two games of Miami's second round series with Philadelphia due to a hamstring injury that he suffered in Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. No official timetable has been provided regarding when he might return to action, as the situation seems to be a fluid one.

Khris Middleton Milwaukee Bucks SF

INJURY: MCL sprain; STATUS: Out indefinitely
Middleton has a Grade 2 MCL sprain and is not expected to return at any point during their second-round series against the Boston Celtics, according to The Athletic. Middleton could reportedly miss the conference finals, too, should the defending-champion Bucks get past the Celtics without him. Middleton suffered the injury during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Chicago Bulls.

Gary Payton II Golden State Warriors PG

INJURY: Fractured elbow; STATUS: Out indefinitely
Gary Payton II suffered a fractured elbow in Game 2 against the Memphis Grizzlies. The injury occurred when Payton was struck in the air by Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks. He is set to have an MRI to determine the severity of the injury, but his status for the remainder of the postseason is a question mark at this point.

James Wiseman Golden State Warriors C

INJURY: Knee (torn meniscus) | STATUS: Out for rest of season
Wiseman was progressing towards a return to action for Golden State, but after suffering a setback he is now expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.