After surviving a six-game round one series with Toronto, the Philadelphia 76ers received some devastating news. Star center and NBA MVP candidate Joel Embiid suffered a concussion and right orbital fracture. The Sixers announced that Embiid will miss Games 1 and 2, but could return in time for Game 3.
Does this news doom the Sixers heading into their second-round matchup with the Miami Heat?
The Sixers’ chances certainly suffer with Embiid missing time, but it’s possible they can survive, should he actually return for Game 3 as the team hopes.
Philadelphia will be heavy underdogs in games one and two – and rightfully so. The Miami Heat defense held Trae Young – who led the NBA in points and assists this season – to more turnovers than field goals or assists last round. Embiid is a different beast – but how will the Sixers’ offense run without him?
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James Harden will be even more vital for Philadelphia this series than was previously thought. With Embiid out, the 76ers’ offense could resemble the five-out Houston Rockets offenses of Harden’s prime. Success will require big contributions from Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris.
The biggest question is what the Sixers will do at the center spot. Will coach Doc Rivers turn to DeAndre Jordan, who struggled in a bench role since arriving in Philadelphia? Will Rivers turn to Charles Bassey, trusting the young gun as he did with Paul Reed last round? Rivers could potentially opt to play Paul Millsap, who could play the five and space the floor for the 76ers.
No matter what Rivers’ answers are to replace Embiid – the truth is it probably doesn’t matter. It would be shocking for the 76ers to steal a game in Miami without their star center.
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But, looking at the series overall, the team isn’t necessarily down for the count. If Embiid returns for Game 3 as hoped, the Sixers could hold on to win their home games. Should the series start 2-2, the Sixers could look to take either of Games 5 or 7 and win the series.
Losing the first two games of a series on the road isn’t a death sentence – it’s dropping a home game that puts teams in the dreaded 3-1 hole. If Embiid returns for Game 3 and helps the Sixers hold on at home, Philadelphia should be in fine shape.
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The Miami Heat are a daunting opponent, and losing Joel Embiid for two games does Philadelphia no favors. But the Sixers still have a decent shot to take the series if Embiid returns on time.
I wouldn’t bet on it – but the Sixers could still advance to the Conference Finals.
