The Sixer Sense
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Translating Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid medical update into playoff timetables

By Bret Stuter

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers have released their initial medical followup regarding center Joel Embiid orbital fracture. Now, what does it mean in the timetable?

The Philadelphia 76ers are heading for the NBA Playoffs. Simultaneously, the Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid is recovering from orbital surgery. And to all of the patient Philadelphia 76ers fans, it’s a race against time. Can Joel Embiid recover in time to join his teammates in time to help his teammates advance in round one?  For now, the 76ers are releasing medical updates “as is”.  That doesn’t help the fans of the 76ers.

So what did the release state? This.

But what does that mean to the fans, eager to know if Embiid will be back in time for the playoffs? Well let’s break down what this update DOES say, and what it doesn’t.

Fracture repairs progressing nicely

First of all, the fracture site repair is the key to all other components of this timetable. In the course of progress and getting back onto the court, nothing happens until surgeons sign off on healing of Joel Embiid’s fracture site.  And that progress received its first checkup today. The verbiage used – “pleased with how the affected area is presenting to date” – is the equivalent of two-thumbs-up.  Today’s checkup is basically the half way point.

The regular season schedule includes four games remaining. Those games are hosting Cleveland Cavaliers on April 6, 2018, hosting Dallas Mavericks on April 8, 2018, traveling to Atlanta Hawks on April 10, 2018, and finally hosting Milwaukee Bucks on April 11, 2018.   The NBA Playoffs begin April 14, 2018.  If the timeframe of halfway is April 6, the timeline is awfully tight to get Embiid on the court for the playoffs.