The Joel Embiid-James Harden duo was working enough for the Philadelphia 76ers. Both players remain explosive on the court, eventually moving past the Toronto Raptors during Round 1 of the playoffs. However, with Embiid injured, they might not be able to have the same energy on the court.
Fans have been worried about their games, everyone eager to see Embiid back and healthy. Miami Heat is currently leading 2-0, and has a chance of furthering their lead in the next game. Embiid is already ruled out of the game, which makes it a little more difficult for the Sixers.
76ers are listing All-Star Joel Embiid as out for Game 3 vs. Heat on Friday.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 5, 2022
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Some users, however, seem amused by the whole situation. After all, Embiid’s absence might just throw the team out of balance, handing them a 4-0 loss in a few days.
Fans don’t think a Joel Embiid-less 76ers can beat the Heat?
The Heat, as per fans, is ready to sweep the Sixers. While it might not be a simple game, the 76ers might not score or defend as well without Embiid. Harden has barely scored 20 points against the Heat, many expecting more out of the veteran who was traded to Philadelphia earlier this season.
Both Harden and Embiid combined were to be a sure-shot formula, at least reaching the conference finals with ease.
https://twitter.com/StillTheWave/status/1522365090204377091?s=20&t=pz8ksZgoSwB0qWwU7WgfvA
James Harden in Playoffs without Embiid to bail him out: pic.twitter.com/jlkoKX9nn4
— Rosa Parks’ Burner Account (@Rosasburner) May 5, 2022
https://twitter.com/BolWrld/status/1522324946424418310?s=20&t=pz8ksZgoSwB0qWwU7WgfvA
Sixers seasons over. Disaster class. we would have beaten Miami 4-1/4-2. This team is so MID. Tragic.
— Alec Fallon (@AlecFall0n) May 5, 2022
Series over
— HaterMuse (@HaterMuse) May 5, 2022
This is going to be the most depressing sweep in a while. Every NBA fan wants to see Embiid healthy. pic.twitter.com/BKtYypKS9B
— Zach Berg (@ZacharyBerg) May 5, 2022
For some fans, the sweep was long coming. The Heat have an engaging defense, which should have been able to block the Sixers out even with Embiid on the court. Others saw the situation as saddening, as everyone at least wanted Embiid to compete and give the playoffs a proper chance.
Even if their chances were low, Embiid’s presence would certainly give them a fighting chance.
While various narratives were shared, one factor was common ? the 76ers are in big trouble without Joel Embiid.
How bad is Embiid’s injury?
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?He looked good as far as talking, but he?s got so many steps to go through,? coach Doc Rivers said. ?I don?t think he?s cleared any of them right now, so we just have to wait and see.?
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Embiid, dealing with a concussion, will have to pass some protocols if he wants to play. Furthermore, Embiid is also reading with a right thumb torn ligament and right orbital fracture. Hopefully, the 76ers will be able to bounce back and save their postseason run.
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Do you think Embiid will be back soon? Let us know in the comments below.