Is Joel Embiid Playing Tonight? 76ers Injury Report Drops as Philadelphia Aims to Escape Play-In Berth

Joel Embiid has had a transformative effect on the Philadelphia 76ers. However, that should be expected from the reigning MVP. Embiid missed two months of NBA basketball due to a meniscus tear he suffered against the Warriors in late January. After two months of rest and rehabilitation following a surgery, Embiid returned to action against the OKC Thunder on 2nd April. He had an instant impact, leading the 76ers to a 109-105 win.

Since then, the Philadelphia 76ers have gone undefeated, winning seven games on the bounce. This incredible form has catapulted the Sixers to the 7th spot of the Eastern Conference standings, with a chance of securing a guaranteed playoff spot. They face the Brooklyn Nets on the last day of the regular season. However, fans of the Sixers face an anxious wait, as the availability of Joel Embiid remains uncertain for tonight’s game against the Nets. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps provided further updates on Embiid’s fitness.  He wrote on X, “Joel Embiid sitting out today’s game against the Brooklyn Nets is a precautionary measure, sources tell ESPN.” However, he further stated that Embiid would be available for the Sixers’ next match.

Joel Embiid’s absence would be a huge blow for the 76ers, especially at this crucial juncture of the season. They currently occupy the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference standings, with only one regular season game remaining. However, there’s nothing to separate them from the 5th-seeded Orlando Magic and the 6th-seeded Indiana Pacers, as all three teams have 46 wins.

The only distinguishing factor is that the Pacers and Magic have secured 31 wins within their conference, while the Sixers have only managed 30 conference wins. So the stage is set for a grandstand finish to the regular season. But who might come on top?

A blockbuster final day

The last round of the regular season fixtures will be played later tonight. And fans have every reason to be excited considering there is a lot at stake for certain teams. The last remaining guaranteed playoff spot in the Eastern Conference is up for grabs, with the Sixers, Pacers, and Magic all in the hunt. The Miami Heat also have an outside shot if the Pacers, Magic, and Sixers all lose their respective games.

The Sixers are set to take on the Brooklyn Nets, while the Magic will go up against the Bucks. The Pacers will be facing the Hawks, and the Heat are scheduled to play against the Raptors. Apart from the high drama in the Eastern Conference, the Western Conference also has mouth-watering clashes on offer.

With one regular season game remaining, the race for the Western Conference play-in spots intensifies as only one win separates the 8th-seeded Lakers, 9th-seeded Kings, and the 10th-seeded Warriors. The Warriors will take on the Jazz, while the Kings will face the Trail Blazers on the last day of the NBA regular season.