Trae Young’s heroic shot earns extra rest for 76ers’ Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers were the only team to sweep their opponent in the first round in the 2023 NBA playoffs, but it came with a price: Joel Embiid sprained his LCL in Game 3, casting doubt upon his availability for the start of the second round. If he does play, he’s expected to wear a knee brace.

At this point, everyone has pretty much penciled in the Celtics as their second round opponent. And while that still feels like the probable outcome, Trae Young and the Hawks aren’t keen on going away quietly. Atlanta stole Game 5 in Boston behind a heroic effort from Trae Young. The Hawks’ point guard dropped 38 points and 13 assists, scoring his team’s last 14 points — including the game-winning dagger with a second left.

Ice Trae, in full effect.

Trae Young just bought Joel Embiid and the 76ers some extra rest

While obviously consequential for the Hawks, who live to fight another day with Game 6 back in Atlanta, this shot is also consequential for Embiid and the Sixers. With the Atlanta-Boston series extended to six or seven games, the Sixers’ second round series won’t start until May 1. Had the Celtics closed out the series in Game 5, the second round would have started two days earlier, on April 29.

Embiid’s availability is key for any hopes of Philly ousting Boston in the second round. One has to imagine two extra days of rest before the series starts will do Embiid some good. The extra rest could also help James Harden, who dealt with an Achilles injury late in the season and who showed a distinct lack of explosiveness in Philly’s first round bout with Brooklyn.

If there was any doubt on the matter, it certainly appears as though Embiid enjoyed Young’s big performance.

The Sixers still have a lot of work to do between now and May 1. The Celtics, assuming they don’t lose three straight to the 7-seed Hawks, are a tough matchup and have presented the Sixers will myriad issues in the past. Doc Rivers and the team will have to work hard in practice, and Embiid will need to pray to the basketball gods for favorable health developments.

We’ve been in this situation before: the Sixers so close to glory, facing an uncertain postseason with Embiid not at 100 percent. It’s hard to overstate the short-term value of two full days of rest and recovery. The Sixers will need every ounce of Embiid’s greatness to topple Boston; so, Sixer fans, say your heartfelt thank yous to Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks.

3 coaches who could replace Doc Rivers if 76ers get bounced in second round

The Philadelphia 76ers will be heavy underdogs if they face the Boston Celtics in the second round. Would another early exit put Doc Rivers on the hot seat?