The 76ers’ defeat in Milwaukee has raised some doubts about Joel Embiid’s physical condition: the Cameroonian center scored 28 points (shooting poorly), 9 rebounds, and 5 assists but also showed physical conditions that are not ideal for a team aiming for the title.
In fact, this is the fourth game in a row (the longest drought this season) with less than 30 points, even though he also faced two teams like Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns that, on paper, would suffer greatly from his physicality. Now, while it is perfectly normal for Embiid to show human stats, it is less normal that he continues to play: in fact, the Phila center had publicly stated in recent days that he felt particularly fatigued and that he would need some rest, only to skip the game against Denver (a “strategy” that raised many eyebrows…).
The idea that is being created around Embiid is that he probably needs a prolonged rest until the NBA Playoffs 2023, especially considering the Sixers’ comfortable position in the standings and the long post-season that presumably awaits them; and this is where the doubt arises: what if Embiid is pushing himself too hard to continue the long-distance (unequal, as the Serbian does not seem to have any intention of making an effort) fight with Nikola Jokic for the MVP?
The answer to this question is most likely affirmative, but to what extent, also considering last year, when he played the playoffs while injured, can the superstar’s personal interests take precedence over the team’s needs?
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Author: Team Dunkest
April 3, 2023 | 10:16 am
