Joel Embiid is trying his best to be available for the Philadelphia 76ers as the franchise is climbing out of a massive hole in the standings to return to the Playoffs. Embiid has suffered too many injuries in recent years, with the center almost sidelining himself again tonight before tip-off for the 76ers’ clash against the Boston Celtics, which Philly won 118-114.
Embiid was practicing turnaround fadeaways when he bumped into a 76ers staff member on the sideline. The center collapsed to the ground while holding onto his ankle, leading to the most bizarre injury scare of the season.
[📺 LIVE] 🏀 #NBAChristmasDay
😬 Petite frayeur pour Embiid qui trébuche sur une corde durant l'échauffement… pic.twitter.com/udcLXuHNKc
— NBAextra (@NBAextra) December 25, 2024
Embiid managed to play in the game and featured in 30 minutes, putting up 27 points (8-15 FG) and nine rebounds in the win. He couldn’t carry a heavier load, but one of his co-stars showed up tonight, with Tyrese Maxey scoring 33 points (12-23 FG). Caleb Martin’s nickname of ‘The Boston Killer’ was valid tonight, as Martin scored 23 points (8-11 FG). Paul George chipped in with 12 points (4-15 FG), continuing to struggle.
The 76ers big man was feeling himself towards the end of the game, with his injury being forgotten in the light of jubilation as the 76ers beat the Celtics. This is one of the few intense rivalries in the NBA, and Embiid celebrated appropriately when it was certain that Philly would win this clash.
Embiid waves goodbye to Boston fans as Philly walks away with the Christmas win 🎄 pic.twitter.com/c0AQWDeebj
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 26, 2024
Embiid is averaging 21.3 points and 7.0 rebounds this season, struggling to find consistency early in the year as he dealt with a multitude of injuries. With health on his side now, he hopes to lead the 76ers back into a Playoff spot with Maxey as his primary co-star, averaging 25.7 points per game.
Paul George’s contributions aren’t looking good, as the recently-signed forward is still ironing out his efficiency, averaging 15.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 40.6 FG% this season. This franchise needs Embiid at his best to contend for a championship and successfully take the team out of the hole they’re in right now.
This win improved the 76ers record to 11-17, so they still have a lot of work to do to just reach .500 again. After that, the team will refocus on making a top-six push toward the end of the season, with the hopes that Embiid will be able to carry the load throughout this stretch. But if he’s potentially picking up ankle injuries over minor issues, the 76ers will think twice about relying on Embiid ultimately.
The franchise was lucky that Embiid didn’t pick up a major ankle during the sequence that caused him to fall and grimace over his ankle after shooting a fadeaway. Some players would even miss that game tonight to take care of it, especially someone as injury-prone as Embiid.
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