After winning two consecutive games for the first time this season, the Philadelphia 76ers did not beat around the bush, snapping their win streak thanks to a tight loss to the surging Orlando Magic last night. The Sixers kept it close for the most part after finding themselves in an early hole, but the visitors' suffocating defense was just too much to overcome for the undermanned hosts in the final frame.
Both Joel Embiid and Paul George sat this one out. While the Magic were also without their All-Star in Paolo Banchero, to-be All-Star Franz Wagner once again led their rally with four other playes finishing with double-digits. Jared McCain led Philadelphia in a losing effort, continuing his Rookie of the Year-worthy campaign to the tune of 24 points and seven assists.
Fortunately, though, help is seemingly on the way –– and it is most certainly a massive one. Embiid, who has missed the last six games due to knee injury management, could return as soon as their next game on Friday.
76ers finally get some good news on Joel Embiid
Despite their most recent loss, the 76ers are starting to show more consistency as of late. However, their win-loss card has remained unflattering thanks to their inherent lack of firepower with Embiid –– and George –– sidelined with injuries.
Embiid, however, is reportedly slated to be back soon. According to head coach Nick Nurse, the superstar center could help lead the way for the 76ers in another match against the Magic, this time on the hardwood.
Hopefully, Embiid can exact retribution against Orlando not only for the team, but also for himself. The 2023 Most Valuable Player has averaged only 25.5 points per game against the Magic in his career, the fifth-lowest mark among the 29 teams.
In addition, his return should give the 76ers some much-needed relief at center. Guerschon Yabusele, an undersized big man, has been shouldering the load in his stead, but banking on him to log too many minutes at center drains him quickly and exposes the team's natural lack of size across the board.
Recently, the 76ers signed Pete Nance to a two-way contract to help shore up the frontcourt to address that issue, but that won't be nearly enough.
Only Joel Embiid returning from injury and playing like an MVP can serve as the quick fix that can get the Philadelphia 76ers out of the cellar. While everyone else has to play their game and be better, the team goes where he takes them. And that's a fact no one can deny.