The Philadelphia 76ers have sunk in the Eastern Conference standings in recent weeks. After beginning the season 8-2 and sitting in first place, they are currently 11-11 and on the outside looking in of the NBA Play-In Tournament in 11th place.
A big reason for the drop in performance was the absence of star center Joel Embiid. Embiid tested positive for COVID-19 and entered the league’s health and safety protocols. He missed nine games in total, starting with a matchup against the New York Knicks on November 8th.
The 76ers lost the first five games before going 2-2 in the final four without him. He made his return to the court on November 27th, as he was sidelined for nearly three weeks.
You would have never known that he was sidelined with how he played against the Minnesota Timberwolves that night. Embiid played more than 45 minutes in the double-overtime thriller in which the Philadelphia 76ers lost by one point. He scored 42 points with 14 rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks, picking up right where he left off.
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Unfortunately, that has not been the case in the subsequent two games. Embiid has struggled mightily to find his shooting stroke and his length of absence likely plays a part. He isn’t going to use it as an excuse but did admit that he is still working his way back into form.
“I would never use it as an excuse but obviously I think it’s going to take me awhile to get back, especially legs and cardio and all that stuff,” Embiid said after the game against Boston. “But every single day I got to keep working hard, and keep getting better.”
In the last two games against the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics, Embiid has shot a combined 7-of-33 and 13-of-20 from the foul line en route to 29 points. He has been excellent on the glass still, grabbing 31 boards to go along with nine assists. Embiid also has two steals and five blocks but just cannot get going offensively.
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Embiid took responsibility for the team’s loss to the Celtics, knowing he has to perform better if they are to defeat teams of that caliber.
“I can’t be playing the way I’ve played these last two games, especially when it comes to shotmaking,” Embiid said. “If teams are going to double me and I’m not going to get easy baskets, I have to create for myself and my teammates, and I’ve got to make those shots.”
If the Philadelphia 76ers are unable to get Joel Embiid going, they are going to struggle to win games. He is the focal point of the team’s offensive attack and everyone feeds off of him. If he is struggling, the team is going to follow suit and struggle to pick things up.
