The Philadelphia 76ers listed Joel Embiid as questionable for right knee injury management before their game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday at 8:00 PM EST. He missed the 76ers’ last six games because of the problem. His potential return could be crucial as Philadelphia looks to get back on track after losing 127-117 to the Miami Heat on Sunday.
The 76ers need Embiid on the floor
The 76ers have stayed afloat in Embiid’s absence, winning three of their last six games. But Philadelphia’s three losses in this stretch came at the hands of the Heat, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors – the Eastern Conference’s top three seeds. Ten or fewer points determined each loss, deficits that Embiid’s production likely could have erased.
Tyrese Maxey continued to build his dark horse for the Most Valuable Player award amid Embiid’s absence. He has scored 35 points per game and 6.6 assists in his last five games; including a career-high 54 points in the 76ers’ 123-114 win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
However, his genius could only cover a limited area. The defense has begun implementing heavy-handed schemes to prevent Maxey from gaining an advantage. Such strategies have been effective given Philadelphia’s deprivation of Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee), VJ Edgecombe (calf) and Paul George, whose availability was sporadic.
The 76ers need someone who can punish switches and Embiid fits the bill. Teams are less likely to move if Maxey makes a play with Embiid because he can routinely exploit a mismatch. If the 2023 MVP returns, Maxey will have more room to operate and take on less of the scoring burden.
How we got here
Embiid originally experienced right knee pain prior to Philadelphia’s 102–100 win against the Boston Celtics on November 11. Under that name, he missed the 76ers’ next two games – including their game against the Celtics. Philadelphia changed the title of the injury from right knee soreness to dealing with right knee injuries, which sidelined him for the final four games.
Nick Nurse told the media today after training Embiid is considered day-to-day – the status he has been in since the injury occurred – and has fully participated in training.
While the seven-time all-star completed an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee on April 11, the 76ers must handle the situation with caution as they always have. Embiid is averaging 19.7 points in 23.3 minutes in six games this season. Given his minutes limitation and decreased usage, Philadelphia will need to remain vigilant when he returns tomorrow.
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