Joel Embiid hasn’t caught a break this season. Blame him? Maybe not. Injuries have kept the 30-year-old star sidelined, dimming his usual shine. He has barely suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers so far. But hey, we’re talking about a former MVP and 7x All-Star. Those badges aren’t just for show. The big man’s story isn’t over yet—hope is alive!
FanDuel partner Kenny Beecham might be the right person to explain the Sixers’ situation at the moment. Speaking on Run It Back, he talked about how The Process and Co. might still have a chance at reviving themselves.
“I think that they’re going to go into a lot of series with the best player in the series. And I think when you have that, you have a chance,” Kenny shared. “Like when they went against the New York Knicks last year, again, one leg; he got Bell’s palsy. So half of his face can’t even blink. And they almost won that series. So I think that again, as long as Joel Embiid is there, they have a chance to win any series.”
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So, despite all the ailments- a neurological condition called Bell’s palsy to a persistent knee issue that has often ruled him out of games. Joel Embiid was and continues to be Philly’s beacon of hope. With a career stat of 27.9 ppg, the seven-foot giant poses a threat on the court. Although he just played in 7 games so far in the ongoing season, Embiid is probably the only flagbearer for the 76ers. But they sadly don’t stand a chance against the top teams in the league, not yet.
Joel Embiid can keep the 76ers competitive in the NBA Playoffs on one leg and with Bell’s palsy
“(The 76ers) are going to go in a lot of series with the best player in the series. When you have that you have a chance.” – @KOT4Q
📺 https://t.co/38dteoWZhV pic.twitter.com/1yWnOgjWkT
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 23, 2024
Kenny Beecham further added: “Now, do I pick them against the Celtics? Not a chance. Do I pick them against the Cleveland Cavaliers? Maybe higher chance, but still no. But it will be hard to convince a team that tanked their a** off for five years to be like, we have one of the best players in the world, but we’re going to tank again this season.”
With a 9-17 record so far, Joel Embiid and Co. don’t stand in a favorable position to tank this season. However, they still have time to bounce back in the league. The buzz around tanking for a high draft pick is growing louder, but for the Sixers, abandoning the season isn’t just unlikely—it’s impractical. They anyway owe their 2025 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder as long as it doesn’t fall in the top six of the draft lottery.
But, as mentioned before, the Philadelphia 76ers do have a chance to bounce back. And it only be possible if their power trio: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George play more games together.
Joel Embiid might be on the floor vs. Spurs
Joel Embiid was to be checked for a re-evaluation on Monday after suffering a sinus fracture two weeks ago against the Pacers. The 76ers center was initially expected to miss three games, leaving his status for the Spurs matchup uncertain. As predicted, Embiid sat out last Monday’s road game against the Hornets. By Wednesday, he was back in practice, squeezing in a couple of sessions before Friday’s home rematch against Charlotte.
Embiid played against the Hornets, scoring 34 points in 32 minutes, adding nine assists and five rebounds as the Sixers won by 10. The next night, he took a well-deserved rest before preparing for the Spurs. No concerns about his status for the game—he’s cleared to play, despite still dealing with a right sinus fracture and needing to wear a mask. Now he’s ready for a possible return against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.
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Sixers injury report vs. San Antonio Spurs
Joel Embiid AVAILABLE
Tyrese Maxey PROBABLE (illness)
Ricky Council IV QUESTIONABLE (right knee soreness)
Jared McCain OUT (meniscus surgery)
Eric Gordon OUT (left oral surgery)— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) December 23, 2024
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The seven-time All-Star is ready for his fourth game this month. Joel Embiid has played seven games this season. He’s hitting 43 percent of his shots, averaging 22 points per game. Along with scoring, he’s grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out five assists each game.
So, it looks like The Process is making his comeback on the floor against the Spurs on Monday. With doubts and speculations circulating the Sixers, it’s time for a major bounce back. It surely seems like an impossible task, but there’s faith in Joel Embiid as he is truly the one who can turn the tables now. But for the miracle to happen, his availability on the court would be of utmost importance. Can he do that? What do you think?
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