Joel Embiid is a much better player for the Philadelphia 76ers when he is on the court.
That’s hardly shоcking news, but the 76ers’ style of play changes noticeably when the league’s MVP is on the court. It is now unknown if Embiid will be able to suit up against the visiting Miami Heat on Wednesday in the NBA play-in round.
Regarding Embiid’s availability, 76ers coach Nick Nurse stated, “Yeah, hopefully,” according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Not sure on anybody, but I’m hopeful.”
In just his fifth game back after missing two months due to a torn meniscus, Embiid injured his left knee during the 76ers’ 125-113 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday. With just 39 games played, Embiid averaged a solid 34.7 points and 11.0 rebounds. The organization announced that Embiid missed Sunday’s season finale against the Brooklyn Nets due to precautionary measures.
Embiid appeared to be in good condition during Monday’s practice, at least according to teammate Kelly Oubre Jr.
“He fired shots. He appeared normal. According to the Inquirer, Oubre stated, “He looked like himself.” However, from the way he’s carrying himself to the seriousness on his face and in his work ethic, you could see that he takes everything seriously.
“He wants to win, so it’s good to see him moving, doing his thing.”
On April 4, Embiid had his moment in Miami. The seven-time All-Star led Philadelphia against the Heat 109-105, scoring 29 points in the process.
With another effort like that, the 76ers should be able to lock up the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and set up a first-round series with the second-seeded New York Knicks. The team that finishes last on Wednesday will face the Chicago Bulls or Atlanta Hawks in an elimination game on Friday in an attempt to secure the eighth spot and a chance to face the Boston Celtics, who are ranked first.
Jimmy Butler, often known as “Playoff Jimmy” this time of year, will be in the way of Philadelphia on Wednesday.
Butler led Miami to two NBA Finals appearances in the previous four seasons after being traded from the 76ers to the Heat in the summer of 2019.
The Heat, who won seven of their last ten games, had an average of 20.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals this season thanks to the six-time All-Star.
But Butler had little interest in thinking back on the group that made it out of the play-in tournament the previous year. Miami advanced to the NBA Finals, losing to the Denver Nuggets after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in five games, New York in six, and Boston in seven.
According to Butler, “We’re not the same group as last year,” the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. We’ll leave it there and continue working with the group we already have.
“But we, I, are very confident in the guys we do have and we know what we’re capable of.”
This season, Bam Adebayo scored 19.3 points and pulled down 10.4 rebounds.
Similar to Philadelphia, Miami is also concerned about injuries. Kevin Love’s left arm ιnjury forced him to leave the Heat’s season-ending game against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
Due to their individual injuries, Terry Rozier (neck) and Duncan Robinson (back) have missed the last four games.