Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
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Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City.
The Philadelphia 76ers have the talent to be a potential contender in the Eastern Conference, but they’re going to need a healthy version of Joel Embiid to live up to that potential.
Unfortunately, some news has come out about Embiid that will see the 76ers miss their star big man for at least the next few games.
According to a report from NBA insider Michael Scott of HoopsHype, Embiid has suffered a strained right oblique and will miss some time.
“Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid suffered a strained right oblique and will miss the team’s next three games,” Scotto wrote in a post on X. “Embiid will be re-evaluated following the upcoming back-to-back.”
Embiid has struggled to stay healthy over the last couple of years. His injury issues have caused Philadelphia to suffer some disappointing season endings. Ideally, this injury won’t linger and he’ll be able to return after missing just three games.
Joel Embiid Has Been Great When Healthy This Season for the 76ers
So far this year, the 31-year-old center has been able to play in 33 games. That statistic alone shows that he has been forced out of game action far more than the 76ers would like.
That being said, when he has been healthy enough to play, Embiid has played at a very high level.
In his 33 appearances this season, the star big man has averaged 26.6 points per game to go along with 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks. He has also shot 49.5 percent from the floor and 31.8 percent from three-point range.
At 31 years old, Embiid’s career has been impressive but marred by injuries. He has career averages of 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks, and has shot 50.1 percent overall and 33.8 percent from distance.
Embiid will miss games against the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and Utah Jazz over the next three contests.
What Should Fans Expect from the 76ers the Rest of the Season?
Philadelphia currently holds a 33-26 record. That has them firmly in place to be a potential playoff team in the Eastern Conference.
If the season were to end today, the 76ers would earn the No. 6 seed in the East and would be in the playoffs without having to win in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Just a month ago, star forward Paul George was suspended for 25 games due to violating the league’s Anti-Drug program. He will be making his return to the court before the playoffs as well.
Should Embiid find a way to get back to full health and remain that way and George can come back and stay healthy, Philadelphia should be a threat in the Eastern Conference. However, those two things happening are far from being a guarantee.