Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers’ star player, is expected to be fit for the NBA Play-In tournament game against the Miami Heat as his team battle to keep their season alive.
Despite missing Sunday’s final game of the regular season – a 107-86 victory over the Brooklyn Nets – due to precautionary measures, the reigning NBA MVP is anticipated to return this week as the 76ers and Heat face off for the righ to be the Eastern Conference seventh seed.
Embiid’s absence on Sunday came after concerns were raised about his health during Friday’s 125-113 win over the Orlando Magic. The 30 year old briefly left the game due to an apparent issue with his left knee, causing worry within the 76ers organisation given his previous struggles with the joint this season.
However, he returned to finish the game with a dominant performance of 32 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists in 32 minutes.
Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse reassured fans and reporters that Embiid participated in Saturday’s practice, easing fears about his health.
Embiid, who was sidelined for two months of the current season due to a meniscus operation on his left knee, has been in top form since his return. The injury occurred when Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga landed on his left knee during their match on Jan.
30. However, in the five games he’s played since coming back, Embiid has averaged 30.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists, giving the 76ers’ season a much-needed boost.
Embiid’s history of injuries during the playoffs has been a significant factor in the franchise’s disappointing postseason performance. He’s previously dealt with a sprained knee (2021), an orbital fracture (2018 and 2022), a torn meniscus (2021), and knee tendinitis (2019).
However, if fit, he and Maxey could prove to be a formidable duo that no team would want to face.
Together, they’re averaging a combined 60.6 points per game. Despite only playing four games together since the end of January, Embiid (34.7 PPG) and Maxey (25.9 PPG) are confident their past chemistry will serve them well in the postseason.
“I’ve played three years with him,” Maxey said about Embiid. “We know who he is. We know how he plays. We know how he wants the ball. We kind of know spacing and different things like that, so I think we’ll be ready.”
The 76ers, led by Embiid, will host the Heat at the Wells Fargo Center in the play-in tournament on Wednesday, April 17.
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