The Philadelphia 76ers listed Joel Embiid as questionable with right knee injury management for their game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST. He missed the 76ers’ last six games because of the issue. His potential return could be pivotal as Philadelphia aims to get back on track after losing to the Miami Heat 127-117 on Sunday.
The 76ers need Embiid on the floor
The 76ers stayed afloat during Embiid’s absence, winning three of their last six contests. But, Philadelphia’s three losses in this stretch came at the hands of the Heat, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors – the Eastern Conference’s top three seeds. Ten or fewer points decided each defeat, deficits that Embiid’s production likely could've erased.
Tyrese Maxey continued to build his dark-horse Most Valuable Player award argument amidst Embiid’s nonattendance. He totaled 35 points per game and 6.6 assists in his last five contests; including a career-high 54 points in the 76ers’ 123-114 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
His brilliance could only cover so much ground, however. Defenses have begun implementing switch-heavy schemes to prevent Maxey from gaining an advantage. Such strategies have been effective given Philadelphia's deprivation of Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee), VJ Edgecombe (calf) and Paul George, whose availability has been sporadic.
The 76ers need someone who can punish switches and Embiid fits the mold. Teams will be less likely to switch if Maxey is running an action with Embiid as he can routinely exploit a mismatch. If the 2023 MVP returns, Maxey will have more room to operate and shoulder less of the scoring load.
How we got here
Embiid originally experienced right knee soreness ahead of Philadelphia's 102-100 win against the Boston Celtics on November 11th. He missed the 76ers’ next two contests – including their game against the Celtics – under that designation. Philadelphia altered the injury title from right knee soreness to right knee injury management, which sidelined him in its last four games.
Nick Nurse told the media after practice today that Embiid is considered day-to-day – the status he has had since the injury occurred – and fully participated in practice.
While the seven-time all-star completed an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee on April 11th, the 76ers must handle the situation with caution as they have been. Embiid is averaging 19.7 points in 23.3 minutes in six games this season. Given his minutes restriction and decreased usage, Philadelphia should remain vigilant if he returns tomorrow.