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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Joel Embiid has been a vital part of the Philadelphia 76ers. His scoring has elevated the team to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. In the Playoffs, he has averaged about 26.2 points per game with almost 12 rebounds per game. He has played through his thumb injury. But still, he has more than 30 points in four out of the six against the Toronto Raptors, including 33 points last game. While Harden and Maxey are important as well, the 76ers chances hinge on Embiid’s availability.

These chances are turning out to be a cropped with the recent news coming out the Sixers camp. Journalist and insider Shams Charania has tweeted out that the 76ers All-NBA star Joel Embiid suffered a right orbital fracture and mild concussion in series-clinching Game 6 win last night in Toronto. He will be listed as out and there is no timetable for his return. This comes as a huge blow for the chance of the Sixers to go into the Conference finals.

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Fan’s reaction to Embiid’s injury

Fans are now saying that the Sixers are in dead water, in regards to their playoff chances. While Harden is still there, they think he will not perform at this stage. Its all but natural as fans do tend to over-react to news like this. This still is a huge blow for the Sixers. These are some of the choicest fan reactions that highlight the situation:

https://twitter.com/ABM3MORI/status/1520204868895621120?t=DL3EswBz85nXjJ4xvNbsoQ&s=19

Joel Embiid and his Importance

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Joel Embiid starred in an absolute black out win yesterday for the Sixers. He put in 33 points at Toronto to ensure that Philadelphia goes into the next round. Maddy and Harden had some very significant contributions during the game. But Embiid is still the most important piece of the 76ers. His scoring and defensive contributions are just too important for the team. The screens are set by him to allow others like Harden to score points.

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The next team they will face is the Miami Heat. They are one of the favourites to go into the Conference finals. The Heat secured the best record and home-court advantage throughout the East playoffs, then brushed aside the Hawks in five games in the first round, even with Kyle Lowry missing two games and Jimmy Butler (one game) because of injuries. Miami?s defense was especially cranky, shutting down Trae Young, one of the standouts of last year?s postseason. The Heat?s rotations, quickness and toughness are major reasons for defensive success. Meanwhile, Butler and Tyler Herro are capable of big scoring outbursts.

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Read More: Former Bulls Teammate Claims Michael Jordan Never Reached Full Potential as ?He Didn?t Sleep for 14 Years?

Will the Miami Heat dismantle the 76ers without Embiid? Will the Sixers survive this blow? The series is going to happen next week and we will have to see that.