Joel Embiid is a warrior. Throughout his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, the superstar center has battled through numerous injuries. Now, just weeks after undergoing an emergency appendectomy, Embiid is listed as doubtful on the Sixers' injury report for their matchup with the Boston Celtics -- which, in his world, means he could still suit up. Philadelphia cannot afford to take that risk with its legendary center, despite its ongoing struggles at the position.
The 2023 MVP is no stranger to taking to the floor when most athletes would take a seat on the bench. During the 76ers' 2024 playoff series with the New York Knicks, not only did Embiid have a lingering knee issue, but he was also struck down with a bout of Bell's Palsy -- a condition that can temporarily paralyse one side of a person's face.
While he exhibited a resilient mentality to be available for his teammates throughout Philadelphia's 2024 postseason campaign, the franchise must not take an unnecessary risk by fielding Embiid before he is truly ready.
Risking Embiid in Game 3 outweighs the reward
As much as seeing Joel Embiid's name in the 76ers' starting lineup would create a ferocious atmosphere at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia must consider the long-term outcome in this instance. Embiid will fight tooth and nail to feature in Game 3 of the Celtics series, but Nick Nurse must remember who the head coach is and trust in the players he has available to him.
Adem Bona is enduring a torrid time in Embiid's absence from the lineup. While this presents a unique opportunity for the sophomore center, the high-pressure environment of a playoff game has clearly restricted his ability to make a positive impact when on the court. The 23-year-old is averaging 1.5 points and three rebounds, while shooting just 14.3% from the floor. Considering Bona's chances to score come around the rim and under the basket, these are not the numbers you expect.
Naturally, when a player on your roster is performing at such a low level, it can instill a head coach with anxiety and leave them scrambling for an answer. So, when Nick Nurse has the temptation to deploy a superstar in the mould of Embiid -- even when he is far from peak fitness -- it is easy to see why he would want to put him on the floor.
However, this is not a knee injury in which the pain will limit your production and not put life at risk. Recovering from appendicitis bodes more severe consequences that an athlete should not roll the dice with. Joel Embiid is a player who thrives on bumping defenders and drawing contact to get to the free-throw line. I am no doctor, but that physical style of play surely cannot be an ideal mix so soon after recent appendix surgery.
There is a reason why the Philadelphia 76ers' medical staff is well compensated and will be better qualified to decide when Joel Embiid can finally feature in the postseason. Nevertheless, Nick Nurse should trust in the production of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe is currently giving their team, and prolong Embiid's recovery to ensure there are no risks attached to him being on the floor.
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