The Philadelphia 76ers have taken a much more conservative approach when it comes to taking care of their players. The main job of the medical staff — as well as the coaches to some extent — if to protect the players from themselves, and they have done exactly that. The same, however cannot be said for the Lakers, which are now staring at a bleak outlook in the playoffs.
With Luka Doncic set to be out indefinitely with a Grade 2 hamstring injury, there is literally no realistic way for Los Angeles to make a deep playoff run. If anything, this unfortunate development actually does vindicate the 76ers in some way, as this is precisely the kind of scenario the team has been keen on avoiding.
From the looks of it, Philly is going to be the most healthy it has been entering the postseason in quite some time. Joel Embiid should be ready to go while Paul George and Tyrese Maxey also look fully healthy at the moment. Even Kelly Oubre Jr., who missed some time recently, is back on the floor playing his usual game.
The 76ers get vindicated for their conservative approach to injuries following unfortunate Luka Doncic update
No one can be blamed for injuries happening at this point in time, but the Lakers have had some concerning rounds when it comes to managing their players. Before Doncic went on to full strain his hamstring injury their recent game against the Thunder, he was already dealing with visible discomfort on his hammy, yet the medical staff cleared him for the second half despite the game essentially being over in the first half.
Mind you, Doncic was not the only one. Earlier this year, the Lakers also allowed Austin Reaves to return prematurely from a calf strain, which he re-aggravated. As a result, he had to miss 18 consecutive games.
Thankfully, the 76ers have emphasized that getting their players fully healthy for the playoffs is their main goal. They have not been afraid to sit players out for the minor impingements and what not while actively ensuring that their injury-prone stars do not get overtaxed.
While doing so has cost them a considerable number of wins in the regular season, they, of all teams, know perfectly well that a good record does nothing if your best players are sidelined or not functioning at 100 percent.
Hopefully, there will be no more setbacks for the 76ers. They are starting to find their groove to end the season, and as long as they are healthy, they will be tough to deal with in the postseason no matter what their standing ends up being.