The Sixer Sense Podcast returned following Joel Embiid's return. The reigning MVP returned five games ago and since then the Sixers are 5-0. Is that a coincidence? I think not. Jonathan Geib and Lucas Johnson break down Embiid's impact since his return.
Embiid returned five games ago against the Oklahoma City Thunder and looked surprisingly good. Unsurprisingly, he dominated the game, especially since OKC was missing their two best players. The surprise was that Embiid did not appear to have a minute's restriction and recorded 24 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals in his first NBA game in two months.
Following the game, Embiid was clearly gassed but sounded optimistic to be back on the court. Jonathan and Lucas debate what they watched and if Embiid can be conditioned enough if the Sixers make a playoff run. Are eight games enough to get up to NBA speed and back to playing like the league MVP?
It was clear the rest of the Sixers, notably Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr., were excited to have Embiid back. The increased floor spacing has led to improved shooting in the Sixers wins and Oubre Jr. in particular has proven he is a reliable third option on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Will he be able to keep playing like this when the lights get brighter? The guys dive into whether he will maintain his recent consistency.
Lastly, the Sixers are now just one game out of the coveted sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. With just three games remaining, and tiebreaks not in their favor, is there enough time to fend off the Miami Heat and jump the Indiana Pacers? Let us know by leaving a comment on the podcast below!
Thanks for tuning in to the Sixer Sense Podcast. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple iTunes, Audible, Spotify, or Google Play to catch any and all future conversations about the Philadelphia 76ers. Before you go, please leave a Google or Apple review and/or comment about the podcast to let us know your thoughts about how we are doing. We appreciate your feedback.