The 76ers should be considered contenders, but contenders with an asterisk. Driven by Joel Embiid et James Harden, Philadelphia has the means to go far in the playoffs. But for that, it will be necessary that the two stars keep their health, which is not guaranteed.
Embiid’s calf stiffness, which would have been quite anecdotal in normal times, was particularly talked about this week. For good reason, the pivot missed his meeting with his rival for the title of MVP, Nikola Jokicin what is shaping up to be the tightest race in NBA history.
It was a blow for fans and observers, who were looking forward to this shock. It was also for the leader of the 76ers, who must maintain his status as a favorite recently snatched from the voters. But the franchise’s priority is beyond awards and the regular season.
” I do not care. Like I said, it’s all about the playoffs. If a single game can hurt someone’s chances, I think everyone should be out. […] Not playing against him was a big disappointment, but there’s a bigger goal in sight: to make sure we’re fit for the playoffs.” explained to the pressthis Wednesday.
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Back, Joel Embiid is not yet 100%. Facing the Mavericks last night, the pivot compiled 25 points, 9 rebounds and 4 stray balls, just 8-17 shooting. These figures remain far from its very high standards. The fact that he is able to last on the pitch for 33 minutes is nevertheless a good sign.
“(I felt) good enough. Obviously I didn’t play my best game tonight, but I’m happy we got the win. It’s all about trying to keep moving forward and making sure everything is in order when it matters,” said the native of Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Joel Embiid and James Harden, in the same boat
In addition to the Sixers leader, his lieutenant is also struggling to keep fit. James Harden has missed four consecutive matches after his worst outing of the season – one of the worst of his career, even.
A little over a week ago, against Bulls, the point guard only managed to score 5 points at 2-14 shooting, including 0-6 from three points, in 47 minutes of play. , the former Rockets star ended the game limping with pain in his Achilles tendon. Also back against Dallas, he trained the same tepid record as his teammate.
” It went. Towards the end it hurt a bit, but I expected that. I’m just trying to do the things necessary to continue to maintain myself, to finish these last six matches and to be ready to approach our week of preparation. I don’t think it’s going to completely disappear, but you know, I’m on the ground, ”he relativizes.
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The speech is not entirely reassuring. Especially since, according to Harden, this problem has already been bothering him for several months. He has certainly managed to maintain a very high standard over this period, but these things cannot be taken lightly.
“It’s been bothering me for a few months, I would say. I just want to keep playing regardless. There was a moment in the last match I played when it was really unbearable, so I couldn’t even be on the pitch,” he recalls, further explaining that he mostly came back that night for timing reasons.
10 days from the end of the regular season, these concerns around the health of the two stars are still very worrying. Embiid, who hoped “that there would be no injuries like the last years” during which Philadelphia suffered from its bad luck, must be slightly disappointed.
Their fate is far from sealed, but the 76ers probably won’t. “almost perfect” as the pivot expected. The health of Joel Embiid and James Harden may well be key for the franchise. It remains to be determined whether this will open the door to the finals or that of a new disillusionment, depending on their physical condition.
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