There is no shortage of talent when it comes to Philadelphia 76ers‘ star Joel Embiid and what he can do on the basketball court. He’s a consensus top-five player in the NBA, a scoring champion, and a runner-up for MVP for the last two years, with a chance to finally win one in this 2023 season.
The 7’2″ center has anchored his team for the last eight years offensively and defensively, carrying a weight of a city and doing it well, I might add, through the ups and the downs, the wins and the heartbreaking loses, but one thing still remains to be seen from Embiid that is probably the most important ability he has to offer to the team, and that’s his availability.
No, this is not a downer of a piece or for fans to relive the heartbreak of Joel Embiid missing time when it matters the most. This is a call to arms and a warning to the NBA as this season, he has been the healthiest we have seen the star big man going into the postseason.
Embiid is having another sensational year averaging 33.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in route to another scoring title, and is now the odds on favorite to win the MVP. Joel being this healthy going into the postseason is something fans have never really seen in the past five years, as Embiid either went into the season or acquired an injury just games into starting the playoffs.
The belief is having Embiid healthy in the playoffs gives the Sixers a great chance at an NBA Finals birth, and that should worry the rest of the NBA teams. The efficiency and purpose Embiid has played with this year are evidence that teams should worry about this Sixers team if Joel Embiid, the rightful MVP is right and healthy in the playoffs.
Joel Embiid Injury Timeline
2018 orbital fracture last eight games of the season going into the first two games of playoffs (Masked Embiid)
2019: Left Knee Tendinitis missed game three knee soreness/stomach virus game 4 of the Raptors series
2020: Swept by Boston Brett Brown mentioned Joel Embiid dealt with an ankle injury all series.
2021: Game 4 Washington Left the Game with right Knee Injury and Lateral Meniscus tear. Embiid came back next round avg 30.4 points, 12.7 rebs 3.9 assists on 46% shooting
2022: Tore Thumb Ligament Game 3 / Game 6 Toronto Right Orbital Fracture The Pascal Siakam Elbow
