Joel Embiid has been dealing with a lingering knee issue yet again and is set to miss more time. Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach Nick Nurse ruled him out for tomorrow’s matchup against the Miami Heat, and his timetable to return is still unknown. With Embiid expected to remain out, can Tyrese Maxey continue to carry the team to wins?
Embiid Will Be Out Longer
“I think we’re trying to take the best care we can of him and get him out there. He wants to play. He’s being very diligent. … He’s doing a lot to try to get back on the floor. And I think it will be soon. I know this has been a long [process]. I think it will be soon, but just keep doing the right things, keep listening to what the doctors tell us,” Nurse said.
It sounds like Embiid is making good progress and could return in the coming weeks. The good news is that it’s not the knee he has surgery on in the offseason, and there isn’t any structural damage. Nurse and his staff are handling the situation perfectly, making sure Embiid is back to full strength before bringing him back, and it’s better to be safe than sorry with Embiid.
In just six games this season, he showed how important he is to this team when he’s healthy. Even with a minutes restriction not playing over 25 minutes a night, he averaged just under 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. It’s amazing what he was able to do while coming on and off the bench and never truly finding his rhythm.
Tyrese Maxey Has Taken Over
For the first time in years, the 76ers can finally win without Embiid. Maxey has taken his game to the next level and can take over games and lead the Sixers to wins on his own. He’s averaging 33.4 points per game, which is second in the NBA, along with 4.7 rebounds and 7.9 assists.
Without Paul George and Embiid, Maxey is playing at an all-NBA level. Last year, if both Embiid and George weren’t on the floor, the 76ers would have no chance to win the game. Adding younger talent alongside Maxey has also helped tremendously, allowing the team to play at a much faster pace than last season.
They can afford to let Embiid work his way back fully, without rushing, with Andre Drummond starting in his place. The 76ers will play the Miami Heat after beating the Milwaukee Bucks in overtime behind a career-high 54 points from Maxey.
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