A huge chunk of Philadelphia 76ers fans have become more optimistic about the chances of Joel Embiid having a consistent presence on the hardwood next season. After several bouts with uncertainties and grim outlooks as to whether he can even suit up again as a functional star, the former Most Valuable Player seems ready to go this time around.
That is, of course, a very welcome change for the team. Last season, the 76ers once again took the lead when it comes to missed games by All-Stars (don’t look it up, it’s an instinctive inference). Embiid appeared in just 19 outings all campaign long — an icky follow-up to his otherwise dominant campaign in the year before, which was also hampered by injuries.
Having said that, there are still some major doubts about Embiid is really that much better compared to last season, or if the latter simply put up too low of a bar to clear. There is also the indubitable fact that there remains no timeline for his actual return, ultimately making all the optimistic projections a purely conjectural matter.
In fact, well-known NBA analyst Zach Lowe wants to remind everyone to put a governor on those expectations for the superstar center next season.
Zach Lowe bets against Joel Embiid playing at least 60 games next season
In a recent episode of The Zach Lowe Show, Lowe said he was willing to make a one-sided bet about paying another reporter $200 if Embiid played 60 games, stating on the record that it simply isn’t happening.
While that may come off as being too abrasive, there is actually more credence to that statement than 76ers fans would like to admit.
For now, Philadelphia is already penciled in for 16 back-to-back sets next season, the most in the league. And given the team’s understandable ultra-conservative approach with Embiid, it is probably prudent to state that the superstar will likewise miss 16 outings right from the get-go as scheduled absences.
It is also not difficult to make the categorical inference that he will miss at least six games due to non-rest reasons. Embiid will miss games here and there due to his knee problems and other miscellaneous ailments that come with the mere fact that he is Joel Embiid.
That is precisely why Lowe is probably correct in saying that Joel Embiid is most likely not going to play 60 games next season, even if relatively healthy. Hopefully, the 76ers are more prepared this time around to absorb those expected absences.