The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to get a massive boost for the final stretch of the 2023-24 NBA regular season. Reigning MVP Joel Embiid is expected to make his much-anticipated return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, the 76ers have their work cut out for them to get out of the NBA Play-In Tournament. However, the schedule is in their favor. After their games against the Thunder, they will face only two teams above the .500 mark; the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, two of the teams they are chasing in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia could certainly get hot and go on a run in their final seven games of the season, especially with Embiid back in the fold. A healthy Embiid would make the 76ers a dangerous team for the top of the Eastern Conference to match up against in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
What can Embiid give the 76ers after missing so many games? Is he close to 100 percent? These are all questions that will be answered in the coming days and what makes Embiid one of the players with the most to prove ahead of the NBA Playoffs.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, 2024 NBA Playoffs, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
“Embiid might’ve won his second straight MVP this season had he not needed knee surgery, which he hopes to return from in time for the playoffs. But his postseasons have been marred by injury and the inability to deliver in the most clutch moments. Last year, he was playing through a knee issue, but the Sixers just needed a few plays from him to reach what has proven to be an elusive conference finals appearance. As has been the case before, he just couldn’t summon them. His 27-26 playoff record is a blemish on his career,” wrote NBA insider, Brian Windhorst.
The 76ers have lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals in five out of the last six postseasons. Getting over the hump would do wonders not only for Embiid’s legacy but for the outlook of the team.
Philadelphia is set to have a massive amount of cap space this summer. They will have the means to sign a player to a maximum contract, as only Embiid and Paul Reed are currently under contract. But, to entice a player of that caliber to sign, they need to have some success.
Another player who will be facing pressure this postseason is Tobias Harris. Set to become a free agent, he could set himself up for another payday with a strong performance under the bright lights of the NBA playoffs.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, 2024 NBA Playoffs, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
“Harris’ numbers (17.1 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game on 48.6% shooting) has masked an otherwise disappointing season, particularly since Embiid’s knee injury (woeful 28.9% on 3-pointers and just 15.9 points per game). With the 76ers mulling how they can use their cap space to chase a star player, Harris and the team could be headed for a split this summer. Putting together a strong playoff run by hitting a few shots with Embiid hopefully back could go a long way for the 31-year-old, even if he ends up elsewhere,” wrote Windhorst.
Harris has shown that he can be a productive third or fourth option for a team. Some of his numbers are down this season, as noted by Windhorst. Is that a sign of decline, or just not being comfortable with his role at points under a new head coach with constantly changing lineups?
A strong postseason would be the best audition for prospective suitors during NBA Free Agency this summer. If the 76ers are dead set on going star hunting, a player such as Harris will likely be on the move.
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