There was lastly some optimistic information surrounding Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers that was introduced on Tuesday. Based on ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the crew is “hopeful” that the injured huge man will be capable of return by late-March, in time for the ultimate couple of weeks of the common season and the push for the playoffs.
76ers Hopeful Embiid Will Return In Late March
REPORT: The 76ers stay hopeful that Joel Embiid can return by “late-March”, per @wojespn.
(through @ESPNNBA, h/t @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/AaWtAoKRIa
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 27, 2024
However given how the 76ers have carried out with out Embiid, it’s unclear precisely what place the crew will likely be in when he’s wholesome sufficient to play.
When he was wholesome and taking part in like the favourite to win the MVP award, Philadelphia was one of many high groups within the East. They bought out to a 29-13 file by way of the primary half of the season, and have been battling with the Bucks and Celtics for the highest spot within the Convention.
Issues have gone downhill since January twenty second, although. The crew promptly misplaced 8 of their subsequent 9 video games earlier than selecting up a few much-needed wins earlier than the All-Star break, however the injury had been accomplished within the standings. As of Tuesday, the 76ers have fallen all the best way all the way down to fifth place, and are at risk of falling out of the top-6 and into place to participate within the Play-In Event on the finish of the common season.
Philly Might Be Out Of High-6 When Embiid Returns
.@stephenasmith doesn’t need to see the 76ers shut down Joel Embiid this season.
“If that brother can provide me 15-20 minutes at 75 %, I’m taking it.” 🏀 👀 pic.twitter.com/YA6GKwLiMC
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 27, 2024
If issues don’t go appropriately the remainder of this week, they may discover themselves all the best way down in eighth place by Sunday. The Miami Warmth have been surging these days, winners of 8 of their final 10 video games, and at the moment are inside a single recreation of Philly within the standings. Simply behind them, by mere proportion factors, are the Indiana Pacers, and the Orlando Magic are only a half-game behind them.
The 4 groups are separated by a grand whole of only a recreation and a half, that means that we may see a severe shakeup within the center.
The 76ers will face a troublesome take a look at on Tuesday night time as they tackle the Celtics, however three of their subsequent 4 contests will likely be towards a few of the league’s worst groups. Across the time that Embiid is hopeful to return, Philadelphia will likely be on a four-game street journey, that means that the house recreation towards the Clippers on March twenty seventh might be the goal date.