There is finally light at the end of the tunnel for the Philadelphia 76ers.
After over a month without their superstar center Joel Embiid due to a knee injury, reports indicate that the reigning MVP is on the verge of making his highly anticipated return to the court.
Embiid Nearing a Return
Recent reports have indicated that Embiid is ahead of schedule in his rehab and close to getting the green light to return.
Respected NBA insiders Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania have both confirmed that Embiid is expected back this week.
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse stated there was a “very good chance” Embiid would return before the play-in tournament.
While Philadelphia did not officially upgrade his status for the OKC game, the feeling is Embiid‘s first game back could now come any day.
Impact of His Absence
During Embiid‘s absence, Philadelphia posted a record of just 11-18.
After occupying third place in the East when Embiid went down, the Sixers slid down to eighth.
They now face a battle just to qualify for the play-in tournament, let alone earn home court advantage in the first round.
The difference has been stark, especially on the offensive end. Embiid was putting up MVP numbers before injury, averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game while leading the league in scoring.
Without him to facilitate the offense, the Sixers unsurprisingly struggled to replace that production.
What This Means for Philadelphia’s Playoff Hopes
Assuming Embiid returns swiftly to somewhere close to his usual All-NBA level, this changes Philadelphia‘s outlook entirely. What looked like a quick first round exit now has the potential to be a dangerous lower seed no one wants to face.
Getting through the play-in tournament will be the first test, but with a healthy Embiid back the 76ers will immediately return to being one of the most talented squads in the East. Home court or not, very few teams will relish playing them in a seven game series.
Concerns and Limitations
That being said, expecting Embiid instantly to replicate what he was doing pre-injury is unrealistic. There could be rust and conditioning issues after over a month on the sidelines, while his mobility could also be hampered.
There should also be some concern over Embiid rushing back too soon and aggravating the injury. Big men have a checkered history returning from knee problems.
Embiid and the Sixers medical staff will need to manage the situation carefully.
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Reason for Optimism
However, if Embiid has been fully cleared and completed extensive five-on-five practice sessions, that indicates he should be good to go. While limiting his minutes early on would be prudent, if the strength in his knee is back there is no reason why he cannot make a big impact.
We have also seen in recent years how players returning late in the season after injury can prove decisive in the playoffs.
Embiid elevates this roster from scrappy underdogs to genuine contenders in the East and that cannot be overstated.
How Far Can a Healthy Sixers Team Go?
Assuming Embiid suffers no further setbacks, there are still challenges facing the 76ers even with him back leading the charge. However, they possess more than enough talent to feel confident about making a deep playoff run.
Just earning a top six finish via the play-in tournament could open up a preferable first round matchup. Then if they click at full strength, they have the pieces in place to take down anyone.
A ceiling of the Conference Finals is not out of the question. And Embiid showed last postseason in taking the eventual finalist Miami Heat to six games that he raises his game when it matters most.
Understandably there were doubts during his extended absence. Yet now with their talisman on the verge of stepping back between the lines when it counts, Philadelphia can dare to dream big once more.
Keys to Success
In order for the 76ers to achieve their lofty postseason ambitions, certain factors will be crucial.
Embiid’s Production and Availability
Quite simply, Embiid must pick up close to where he left off AND stay healthy throughout the playoffs.
Without either element, Philadelphia cannot reach its ceiling. Although at less than 100%, if Embiid keeps performing at an MVP caliber level it will lift the Sixers wherever they end up seeded.
Consistent Secondary Scoring
Tyrese Maxey‘s development has been a huge bright spot, but Philadelphia requires more contributors in the scoring column.
Commitment on Defense
The 76ers will also need to tighten up considerably at the defensive end of the floor. During Embiid‘s absence they plummeted to 25th in defensive rating, a number that must improve.
Embiid‘s presence alone makes them tougher, but increased intensity from all rotation members is vital.
Sources:
theathletic.com/5383195/2024/04/01/joel-embiid-return-sixers-injury/
www.cbssports.com/nba/news/joel-embiid-update-76ers-star-could-return-from-knee-injury-as-soon-as-tuesday-vs-thunder-per-reports/
zkrainynba.com/nba-news-dobre-wiesci-w-sixers-trener-o-powrocie-embiida/
