Sixers coach Nick Nurse expressed optimism that reigning MVP Joel Embiid will be back on the court before the end of the regular season. This comes as a much-needed glimmer of hope for the struggling Philadelphia team, who have noticeably felt Embiid’s absence on the court.
Embiid’s Impact
Embiid, who was leading the league in scoring at 35.3 points per game before getting injured, has been sorely missed by the Sixers. Since his last game on January 30th, the team has struggled, going 10-16 and falling into the play-in tournament mix in the Eastern Conference standings.
Embiid is currently seven weeks removed from having surgery on the lateral meniscus in his left knee. While Nurse emphasized that there is “no timetable” for his return, he mentioned that Embiid is back on the court doing work to get himself back in playing shape. The coach is hopeful that Embiid is improving each day and getting closer to a return.
Team Performance
The impact of Embiid’s absence on the Sixers’ performance is evident in their record. Philadelphia is 26-8 this season when Embiid plays, highlighting his importance to the team’s success. On the other hand, they are 13-25 when he doesn’t play, underscoring the need for his return as soon as possible.
Despite the struggles in Embiid’s absence, ESPN’s Basketball Power Index projected Philadelphia to finish eighth in the Eastern Conference standings with 44 wins. This puts them one win behind the Miami Heat in seventh and two wins behind the Indiana Pacers in sixth. The upcoming game against the Heat will be crucial for the Sixers as they look to improve their position in the standings.
The return of Joel Embiid is eagerly anticipated by the Sixers and their fans. As the team continues to push for a spot in the playoffs, the presence of their MVP can make a significant difference in their performance on the court. Although the exact timeline for Embiid’s return remains uncertain, the hope and optimism surrounding his comeback provide a much-needed boost for the team as they navigate through a challenging season.
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