The Philadelphia 76ers are in a lot of trouble in their second-round NBA playoff series against the Miami Heat. Miami handled them with relative ease in Games 1 and 2, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead as the series shifts to Philadelphia.
Being down 2-0 is something that many people likely saw coming. The 76ers have been playing with Joel Embiid, who suffered a concussion in Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors. There was some optimism that he would be able to return, but his status remains up in the air.
76ers’ head coach Doc Rivers discussed Embiid’s status after Wednesday night’s loss to the Miami Heat and he was unable to offer much clarity on the situation. He said he really does not know after talking to Embiid a few times this week.
“He looked good, as far as talking. But he’s got so many steps to go through, and I don’t think he’s cleared any of them right now. So we just have to wait and see.”
LATEST NBA NEWS: Do Philadelphia 76ers Have Chance Against Miami Heat After Joel Embiid’s Injury?
Without Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers have been steamrolled by the Heat. Embiid is important to their game plan on both ends of the floor and Miami has taken full advantage of his absence, getting dominated in the paint.
In Game 1, the Miami Heat outrebounded the 76ers 47-37 and outscored them in the paint 52-46. In Game 2 Miami held a 44-34 edge on the glass, scoring 21 second-change points compared to only 12 for the 76ers.
3-point shooting has been an issue for Philadelphia as Miami can extend their defense not having to worry about Embiid dominating in the post. The 76ers are a woeful 14-of-64 from 3-point range through two games, as they are working extremely hard to score every time down the court.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Do Philadelphia 76ers Have Chance Against Miami Heat After Joel Embiid’s Injury?
James Harden has been unable to elevate his game, as he isn’t providing the star impact they had hoped he would when they acquired him from the Brooklyn Nets. Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris have played relatively well in both games, but they are not enough to handle the onslaught from Miami.
Getting Joel Embiid back would certainly improve the Philadelphia 76ers chances of making this a series again. However, Embiid sounds like he still has a ways to go before being cleared to make his return to action.
