Joel Embiid has played extensive minutes through the first seven games of the Philadelphia 76ers’ season. With a busy schedule this week, look for Brett Brown to closely monitor Embiid ‘s minutes and availability.
Joel Embiid has started this season off hot, averaging 26.4 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 4.7 APG, and 2.3 BPG. Those numbers don’t surprise anyone but what does surprise some and even concern many, is the number of minutes Joel Embiid is playing this year.
Embiid is playing 35 minutes per contest so far this season. Last year he played 30 minutes per game and in his rookie year, he played 25 minutes per game. Joel Embiid is finally injury-free this year so he does not have a minutes restriction as he did in his first two seasons, but this will be something closely monitored throughout the rest of the season.
The Sixers’ schedule this week is as follows: Monday — Atlanta Hawks. Tuesday — Toronto Raptors. Thursday — Los Angeles Clippers. Saturday — Detroit Pistons. Sunday — Brooklyn Nets.
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The 76ers have five games in a seven-day period. It would be incredibly demanding for any 7-foot-2 giant to play 35 minutes a night, especially at the pace and style in which Embiid plays with. To play five games in seven days with those minutes would be physically excruciating.
The biggest game of this stretch is Tuesday’s game against the highly regarded Toronto Raptors. I expect Embiid to play big minutes against this talented squad, especially since the Raps have not had an answer in stopping Joel.
Brett Brown can tackle Embiid’s minutes this week from a variety of angles. He could play Embiid every game and just decrease his minutes in less important games against the Clippers and Nets. Or Brown could rest Joel this Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets. This would give Embiid four full days off until their next game, Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers.
Embiid may not like sitting out a game but it may be necessary for his longevity. Embiid will probably play 35-40 minutes against Toronto and give or take 35 against the Clippers and Pistons, depending on how those games go. The Clippers have started off the season surprisingly well, being the better team in LA to start the year. Detroit beat the Sixers last week thanks to Blake Griffin‘s career 50-point night but an off game from Andre Drummond.
Joel Embiid has stated how thrilled he is to be injury free (knock on wood) and has no limitations, but with seven-footers, you always need to be cautious. Embiid will not like the idea of sitting out a game but if it can keep him on the court and sustain him for a playoff run, then the occasional rest is necessary.
Embiid is the Sixers best player and the franchise’s centerpiece so his health is imperative for the teams bright future.
One reason Joel Embiid has played so much to start his third season is due to early injuries on the Sixers. Mike Muscala missed the teams first 3 games of the year with an ankle injury. Wilson Chandler is still with his strained left hamstring. Lastly, Zhaire Smith is out until at least December, recovering from foot surgery. Amir Johnson is racking up miles, playing in his 14th season, so that is also something to keep in mind.
These injuries have caused Embiid and Amir Johnson to play extra minutes, but when they all return there will be a solid (and deep) supporting cast to fill out the power forward and center positions when Embiid is not on the floor.
This will be Joel Embiid’s best season yet if he can stay healthy. It is essential that Embiid stays fresh and takes time off when needed during tough stretches through this marathon 82 game season. Embiid is striving to be the league MVP, DPOY, and most importantly take the Sixers into a deep playoff run.
Trust The Process. #HereTheyCome
(Stats via Basketball-Reference)