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

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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USA – 2013 300 dpi Rick Nease illustration of a psychic. (The Detroit Free Press/MCT via Getty Images)
USA – 2013 300 dpi Rick Nease illustration of a psychic. (The Detroit Free Press/MCT via Getty Images)

Crystal Ball

My crystal ball suggests that Embiid will be back in time to play with his teammates in round one. How the team plays until he steps foot onto the court may determine how much time or how quickly he is rushed back. After all, there is always that transition of time where medical science lands on the “he could, but it would be better if…”  And that is the part that makes forecasting Embiid’s return so cloudy.

What I can say is that this update is as good as can be expected. And for those who feel that Embiid is the only way the team wins in post season, this will brighten your spirits.

One more star aligning

But for the team currently on a 12 game winning streak, this is one more rope to grab onto. One more reason to hold the fort together. At the advent of a game for the 3-seed of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs, this is the type of boost the team needs.

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Joel Embiid is further ahead than expected. And when it comes down to the question of whether Joel Embiid can play, we all know he will answer yes. We called the early surgery great news. Now that optimistic timetable appears to be taking place. In the end, this is one more star aligning. And if all the stars align just right, this could be the year for the Philadelphia 76ers to win an NBA Championship. After all, it would be the perfect encore to the Philadelphia Eagles winning their first Super Bowl. Right now, Embiid appears to be coming back sooner than later. How many playoff games will he miss? Hopefully no more than one.