Will This Star NBA MVP Candidate Be Ready For Round Two?
Updated: Jul 12, 2023
Joel Embiid is the star center for the Philadelphia 76ers and one of the leading candidates for the NBA MVP award this year. He was a major reason for his team’s 54-win season, which was Philly’s best record in over two decades. The 76ers finished third in the Eastern Conference and swept the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
However, Embiid’s health has been a major concern for the team and its fans, as he has missed 16 games over the course of 2022-23 due to various injuries, including a right knee issue that sidelined him for the final game of the first-round series. Let’s take a look at the seriousness of his injury and how much time he might miss.
How The Injury Happened
Embiid suffered a right knee injury during Game Three in Brooklyn, when he landed awkwardly after a dunk. He played through the pain and finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds in a Sixers win. He was then ruled out for Game Four as a precaution.
The 76ers managed to close out the series without him, thanks to a balanced effort from their other starters and role players. Forward Tobias Harris led the way with 25 points, while center Paul Reed brought in 15 rebounds in Philly’s 96-88 win to complete the sweep.
The question now is: Will Embiid be ready for the start of the second round, where the Sixers will face either the Boston Celtics or the Atlanta Hawks? According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Embiid has a sprained LCL in his right knee, which could take one or two weeks to heal depending on how he feels. He is expected to be reevaluated in the middle of this week, but there is no guarantee that he will be cleared to play by May 1st, when the second round is expected to begin.
It was also reported that Embiid is doing better, moving around more, and that the swelling has subsided. However, Shelbourne cautioned that an LCL injury is not something to push with, especially for a player of Embiid’s size and importance. He might end up having to wear a brace and play through discomfort, which could affect his overall play.
The Sixers are hopeful that Embiid will be able to suit up for Game One of the second round, but they are also prepared to adjust if he can’t. Coach Doc Rivers said that he doesn’t know if Embiid will be available, but he trusts his medical staff and his players. He also praised his team for stepping up in Embiid’s absence and showing their depth and versatility.
Philly Needs The NBA MVP Candidate Back
The 76ers will need Embiid at his best if they want to advance to the conference finals and beyond. He is their most dominant player on both ends of the floor. Embiid was the NBA’s second leading scorer this year and averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.7 blocks per game.
Embiid has been a nightmare matchup for both possible second round matchups (the Celtics and the Hawks) this season. He scored a career-high 52 points against the Celtics in March, and he averaged 32 points and 11 rebounds against the Hawks in three games. Without him, the Sixers will have to rely more on James Harden, Tobias Harris, and Tyrese Maxey to help offensively with Paul Reed taking his spot at center.
Embiid’s injury status is one of the biggest storylines of the NBA playoffs. The Sixers are hoping that he can recover quickly and return to action soon. The fans are hoping that he can stay healthy and lead them to their first championship since 1983. And Embiid himself is hoping that he can prove that he is not only an MVP candidate, but also a champion.
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