Doc Rivers Says He'll 'Burn' the Tape of 76ers' Game 5 Loss vs. Heat
May 11, 2022
MIAMI, FL - MAY 10: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during Game 5 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 10, 2022 at The FTX Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers told reporters that he's going to burn the tape of his team's 120-85 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Tuesday.
“I will watch the tape, because I have to. Then I will burn it”
Game 5 was a complete disaster for Philadelphia. On offense, the 76ers shot just 36.5 percent from the field and had more turnovers (15) than assists (14). Philadelphia never scored more than 25 points in a quarter.
The 76ers defense was just as bad. Seven Heat players scored 10 or more points, and Miami shot 53.6 percent from the field. Miami also out-rebounded Philadelphia 46-36 and sported a 26-11 assist-to-turnover ratio.
The 76ers had a chance to at least make this a game after cutting the Heat lead to 81-66 by the end of the third quarter, but Miami opened the fourth on a 20-4 run in the first 4:05.
By that point, the starters on both sides were done for the evening.
The only good news for Philadelphia is that the season isn't over just yet. Game 6 will take place back home at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. If Philadelphia wins, Game 7 will go down in Miami on Sunday.
James Harden, 76ers 'Rolled Over' in Lackluster Game 5 Loss vs. Jimmy Butler, Heat
May 11, 2022
MIAMI, FL - MAY 10: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat during Game 5 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 10, 2022 at FTX Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers were riding high entering Tuesday's Game 5 against the Miami Heat after back-to-back wins on their home floor, but those good vibes were short-lived.
The Sixers reverted back to the lackluster effort level that cost them in the first two games of the series, resulting in a 120-85 blowout loss to the Heat at FTX Arena to fall behind 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Miami hit Philadelphia with an avalanche to start the game and never looked back, shooting an impressive 53.6 percent from the field. The Sixers' defense wasn't any better than its offense, with no player on the team reaching 20 points.
Star center Joel Embiid led Philadelphia with 17 points, but he looked lethargic throughout the game and only attempted 12 shots. James Harden had 14 points, and Tobias Harris added 12. After averaging 23 points in the first four games, Tyrese Maxey was held to nine points on 2-of-10 shooting.
No player on the Sixers was immune from the wrath of fans and critics online who were vocal about the team's dismal effort in a crucial playoff game, with some even accusing them of giving up.
This is one of the most awful performances I’ve seen the @sixers put forth in a long time. No effort whatsoever, from start to finished. Look like they just laid down, rolled over and said “we’ve got Game 6 on Thursday.” Guess they were looking for another overnight stay in Miami
Tonight’s Sixers performance has been one of the worst displays of a lack of effort, focus & intensity in a big playoff game in modern Philly sports history.
In a sign of how things are going for the 76ers, DJ Khaled just pretended to check into the game and gave Erik Spoelstra a shoulder massage, both of which the crowd loved. Miami is up 18.
The Sixers have proved able to defeat the Heat, so games like this cannot be tolerated. It should not be up to Philadelphia head coach Doc Rivers to beg his players to show some heart in a pivotal playoff game. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened Tuesday.
The Sixers now face the possibility of being eliminated from the playoffs on their home floor. If they come out with lackluster effort against Miami again, they will have no chance in Thursday's Game 6.
76ers' Joel Embiid Condemns Raptors Fans' 'F--k Embiid' Chants, Cheers for Injury
May 7, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 6: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Miami Heat during Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 6, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
After missing two games with a mild concussion and an orbital fracture suffered in the first round against the Toronto Raptors, Joel Embiid returned to the court Friday for the Philadelphia 76ers' Game 3 matchup against the Miami Heat.
Embiid helped lead the Sixers to a 99-79 win at Wells Fargo Center to help his team avoid a 3-0 second-round hole. Afterward, he condemned Raptors fans for chanting "f--k Embiid" during the opening round of the playoffs and celebrating his injuries.
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) May 7, 2022
Here's the full Embiid response on the treatment he got in Toronto, and some takes on how the league handles players cursing and/or going back and forth with fans: pic.twitter.com/KpnS3bIhGq
Embiid suffered the injuries when Raptors forward Pascal Siakam inadvertently elbowed him while driving to the basket in the fourth quarter of Game 6. The 76ers were up 119-90 at the time, and fans began questioning why head coach Doc Rivers even had Embiid in the game.
After the Game 6 defeat, Siakam sent his apologies to Embiid and explained what happened.
"Obviously, on the play [after], I feel bad—awful that I hit his face—but I was trying to make a move," Siakam told reporters. "I apologized to him after that. You know, that was definitely not my intention."
Embiid had to wear a protective mask for Game 3. He finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
Philadelphia was waiting for the MVP candidate to return after he finished the regular season averaging 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals per game and followed it up with an impressive first-round performance.
The 28-year-old averaged 26.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in six games against the Raptors.
In Embiid's absence, the Sixers failed to get much production out of DeAndre Jordan, Paul Reed and Georges Niang. Luckily for Philadelphia, it seems like the veteran is going to continue playing through the ailment.
The Sixers and Heat will meet again Sunday for Game 4, with Philadelphia looking to tie the series.
Joel Embiid Posts 'We Back Up' Meme After Return from Injury for 76ers' Game 3 Win
May 7, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 6: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a free throw against the Miami Heat during Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 6, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers aren't going down without a fight.
The Sixers defeated the Heat 99-79 in Game 3 of their second-round matchup on Friday at Wells Fargo Center to cut Miami's series lead 2-1. It was Embiid's first game since suffering a mild concussion and an orbital fracture in the team's first-round series against the Toronto Raptors, and he had a pretty awesome way of celebrating after the win.
Embiid posted the viral "we back up" meme from The Wire shortly after the game, letting everyone know that he and the Sixers are going to do whatever it takes to win the series now that he's back in the lineup.
Embiid had a solid performance in Game 3 despite wearing a face mask to protect him from further injury. The MVP candidate finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block to help lead the 76ers to victory.
James Harden, Tyrese Maxey and Danny Green also saw elevated performances in Embiid's return.
The Sixers will look to even the series in Game 4 on Sunday.
Tyrese Maxey Lauded for Saving 76ers' Season in Joel Embiid's Return vs. Heat
May 7, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 6: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers during Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 6, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers avoided going down 3-0 in their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Miami Heat with a 99-79 win on Friday at the Wells Fargo Center, and it was largely thanks to 21-year-old point guard Tyrese Maxey.
The Sixers led by double digits about midway through the third quarter, but the Heat managed to close the gap to face just a three-point deficit heading into the fourth. In the final frame, Maxey made his presence felt.
After scoring just seven points through the first three quarters, Maxey went off for 14 points in the fourth on 5-of-5 shooting with four triples. His energy and youthful enthusiasm clearly sparked the Sixers as they closed out the game.
Fans online couldn't help but to heap praise on Maxey for saving Philadelphia from facing the possibility of a sweep.
Philly and Harden better remember how special Tyrese Maxey is when it comes to Harden negotiations for his contract extension!!! They better save a Major Bag for the young fella because he’s the ONE! Carry the hell on…
Maxey's 21 points tied with Danny Green for a team high. Sixers star center Joel Embiid had 18 points and 11 rebounds in his first game back from a concussion and facial injuries. James Harden had another quiet performance with 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists and seven turnovers.
In his second season out of Kentucky, Maxey emerged as a key player for the Sixers amid Ben Simmons' absence prior to getting traded in a package for Harden. Maxey made a jump from averaging 8.0 points as a rookie to 17.5 points this year while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 42.7 percent from three-point range. He's now averaging 24.7 points in the conference semifinals.
It feels like Philadelphia still has another step to take if it hopes to get past the top-seeded Heat. But Friday's win was a step in the right direction, and it's clear that the Sixers need Maxey to bring it every night if they hope to pull off the upset.
76ers' Doc Rivers Uncertain If Joel Embiid Will Return from Injury for Game 3
May 5, 2022
TORONTO, ON- APRIL 28 - Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) as the Toronto Raptors fall the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 and lose their first round NBA playoff series 4-2 in Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. April 28, 2022. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers desperately need Joel Embiid back on the floor after falling behind 0-2 against the Miami Heat, but head coach Doc Rivers didn't confirm he will return in Game 3.
Embiid suffered an orbital fracture and concussion in last Thursday's win over the Toronto Raptors, causing him to miss Games 1 and 2 of the second-round series against Miami.
"He looked good, as far as talking," Rivers said of Embiid. "But he's got so many steps to go through, and I don't think he's cleared any of them right now. So we just have to wait and see."
Philadelphia is scheduled to host the Heat in Game 3 on Friday.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this week that Embiid could return as soon as Game 3 if he clears protocols, likely wearing a protective mask.
Embiid had already been dealing with a torn ligament in his right thumb, but he is a difference-maker whenever he is on the court.
The center led the NBA in scoring this season at 30.6 points per game, adding 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. His 33 points on 12-of-18 shooting in Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors helped the 76ers close out the first-round series.
Philadelphia hasn't been as dangerous without him, losing the first two games by a combined 30 points.
"It changes dramatically," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of Embiid's impact. "You're talking about MVP talent, you know? So we'll just have to see."
If the five-time All-Star remains out, the 76ers will need a lot more from James Harden offensively while Paul Reed and DeAndre Jordan try to pick up the slack in the frontcourt.
76ers Rumors: James Harden's Lack of Aggression Not Concerning Team Officials
May 4, 2022
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 28: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors during Round 1 Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2022 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers officials aren't yet sounding the alarm bell about star James Harden.
"Team officials aren’t concerned about his aggression level, feeling a breakout game is soon on the horizon," Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reported Wednesday.
Through seven games this postseason, Harden is averaging 18.6 points, 9.4 assists and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 40.2 percent from the field and 36.6 percent on three-pointers.
This isn't an isolated trend.
The 10-time All-Star seemed to lose a step last year, in addition to battling a lingering hamstring injury. But his performance has continued trending downward and leaving the Brooklyn Nets hasn't sparked any sort of renaissance.
In 21 games since the trade, he's averaged 21.0 points, 10.5 assists and 7.1 rebounds.
James Harden on the Sixers is averaging fewer
PPG RPG SPG BPG FGA FG% on more MPG
than when he was on the Nets this season, where he reportedly had quit on the team. pic.twitter.com/ePJAQA3eaE
Beyond the raw numbers, the 32-year-old has lacked his usual explosion off the dribble, which made him such an unstoppable scorer with the Houston Rockets.
.@jj_redick thinks we need to look at James Harden through a different lens ⬇️
“James has to be aggressive, but at this point James is primarily a playmaker and facilitator for others. … He is just not an efficient scorer.” pic.twitter.com/0Na2DpuiNS
Having the current version probably wouldn't sink Philadelphia if Joel Embiid were fully healthy. However, the star center missed Game 2 with an orbital fracture and a mild concussion, and he's playing through a torn ligament in his right thumb.
The Sixers may not be able to win if Harden is the primary star. In Monday's loss, he shot 5-of-13 from the floor for 16 points and had as many turnovers as he did assists (five).
Remaining optimistic about Harden is understandable from Philly's perspective because the organization doesn't really have much alternative.
But this entire season has basically been a case of hoping to see the old James Harden show up, and absent a big outing here and there, those banking on that outcome have been disappointed.
It's difficult to envision the postseason unfolding any differently.
Joel Embiid Doing 'A Lot Better' in Injury Recovery; Return to 76ers Remains TBD
May 3, 2022
TORONTO, ON- APRIL 28 - Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) as the Toronto Raptors fall the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 and lose their first round NBA playoff series 4-2 in Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. April 28, 2022. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers says Joel Embiid is "doing a lot better," but the All-Star center remains without a timetable for his return.
"I know he did something yesterday, but not much, and I know he's feeling a lot better," Rivers told reporters Tuesday. "I don't want to give false hope either. So I'll just stop there."
Embiid did not travel to Miami for Games 1 and 2 of the Sixers' Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Heat, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported he could be back in the lineup for Game 3 or 4 in Philadelphia.
The Sixers struggled in Game 1 without Embiid, with their offense sputtering in a 106-92 loss. Philadelphia shot an abysmal 6-of-34 from beyond the arc, with James Harden failing to step up in Embiid's place and Doc Rivers struggling to find a cogent rotation.
Embiid's potential return when the series moves to Philadelphia is promising, but it's fair to wonder how much he has left. Not only is the MVP candidate recovering from a concussion and fractured orbital bone in his left eye, but he's also dealing with a torn ligament in his right thumb suffered in the Sixers' first-round win over Toronto.
A 75 percent version of Embiid is better than the struggle-bus big man rotation the Sixers threw out there Monday night. That said, it's unclear if a diminished Embiid and a struggling Harden will be enough to take out the Heat.
Will Philadelphia 76ers Stick with What Almost Worked in Game 1 Loss?
May 3, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 23: DeAndre Jordan #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 23, 2022 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
As soon as news broke that Joel Embiid would miss at least the first two games against the Miami Heat after he suffered a concussion and orbital bone fracture in the closing contest against the Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers had to know he needed to get creative to win one on the road.
He got so creative that he played 32 different lineups in the Sixers' 106-92 loss in Game 1 on Monday. That is wild for a single contest, especially during the playoffs when rotations often shrink.
Rivers even said in his pregame press conference, "It's a hard game to script without your big guy."
He threw nearly every combination he could on the court. And despite plenty of struggles, Rivers might have found a beacon of hope.
Right out of the gate, though, Rivers went conventional and started DeAndre Jordan. It's clear with Bam Adebayo on the other side, the coach wanted to start big man versus big man.
The problem was Jordan had logged less than a single minute during the first-round matchup with Toronto. Some of that had to do with Rivers' preference to play Paul Reed against smaller teams. And it's easy to see that rationale—except that they posted a net rating of minus-7.7 when Jordan was on the floor during 16 regular-season games.
He played just 4:22 in the first half Monday, all in the opening quarter. The Sixers were minus-12 during those minutes. He scored two points, grabbed zero rebounds, picked up one foul, had two turnovers and did not block a shot.
To be fair, none of the starters played well to start the game as the team dug itself into a hole.
Rivers called a timeout with 7:48 left in the first quarter and subbed in Reed for Jordan. Reed played most of the first quarter until he picked up two fouls. His four points, three assists, one rebound and one steal (plus one turnover) were a positive force for the Sixers.
Yet the two early fouls meant the second-year player had to sit. But instead of turning back to Jordan, Rivers went with the seldom-used Paul Millsap, who had not appeared in a game since March 29. Maybe Rivers wanted to change the energy—or he did not want to turn back to Jordan.
Either way, it was surprising Jordan started the second half.
Rivers does have a history of being extremely loyal to former players. When he was coaching the Los Angeles Clippers, he insisted on starting Avery Bradley, a Boston Celtic under Rivers, despite numbers indicating they had better options.
Rivers coached Jordan for five years as a Clipper. The center had some of his best seasons under him and blossomed into a defensive star. He made two All-Defensive teams and three All-NBA teams. Rivers might have been for some semblance of that version of Jordan to walk through the door.
To his credit, Jordan played well in the third quarter. He worked the dunker spot and caught a lob from Harden and blocked two shots, including one on Jimmy Butler:
BR Video
The big man played 10 minutes in the third quarter, scored two points, blocked two shots, grabbed two rebounds and picked up one foul. The team was a minus-three with him out there, but that was a 19-point improvement from the first quarter.
The Sixers built upon the slim lead they had at halftime but gave it up by the end of the quarter. When asked in the postgame press conference about continuing to play Jordan, Rivers said: "We like DJ. We're gonna keep starting him whether you like it or not." He also shared that he'd asked the key guys about it, and they all wanted Jordan.
MIAMI, FL - MAY 2: DeAndre Jordan #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers and James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers talk during a game against the Miami Heat during Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 2, 2022 at The FTX Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
But wait—did you miss the part where the Sixers built a lead before they lost it? They did. It was a small one but impressive nonetheless. And that was when the head coach flashed some brilliance.
The One
Rivers may have stumbled upon this group by accident in the midst of trying out 32 different lineups while Jordan was struggling, Reed was in foul trouble and Millsap was nearly unplayable.
But there was one lineup that was especially productive (besides the garbage-time group). From the 4:48 mark in the second quarter to the end of the half, Philly went with an ultra-small-ball lineup of Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Danny Green, Tobias Harris and Georges Niang.
And it worked. The 76ers went on a 10-2 run to take a one-point lead going into halftime.
That group successfully spread the floor offensively and more than held its own on defense. In those five minutes, the Sixers had a net rating of 77.8.
The ultra-small-ball lineup effectively created more driving lanes and allowed Philadelphia to establish favorable matchups. First, the Sixers used Harden as a screener to get P.J. Tucker switched onto Maxey.
Simply put: Tucker could not stay with Maxey's speed, as seen when he got a floater in the lane:
BR Video
Then as the half was winding down, the Sixers forced Tucker off Harden by attacking Max Strus off a screen with shooters spread all over the court:
BR Video
It worked on the defensive end as well. The Sixers switched the ball screen between Adebayo and Butler. The 6'7" Harris has the size and strength to contend with Adebayo, while Niang is tough enough to hang with Butler as he keeps him out of the lane and contests the jumper:
BR Video
The lineup worked well in the first half. But Rivers did not go back to it until the game was essentially decided. He went ultra small again with 6:50 left in the fourth quarter, already down 19. The Heat were rolling at that point, and Rivers stayed with that lineup for just two minutes, giving the Sixers a net rating of minus-10 during that stretch.
Lessons Learned
The ultra-small-ball lineup finished with a 49.2 net rating because of the first-half surge. It was the best non-garbage time lineup the Sixers had all evening that played more than two minutes together.
When Jordan gets subbed, it might be wise to go small. Sure, the Heat might be more prepared for that in Game 2. But it certainly should be used much earlier, and if it has success, Rivers cannot go away from it.
He is not in an easy position. His star player, the one who makes this whole thing go on both ends of the court, is out at least one more game, if not more. He's facing a ruthless Heat squad, and his own team lacks depth even when healthy.
Thinking and playing conventionally will get the Sixers and him beat, much like they were in Game 1.
Thinking outside the box? That might just give them a chance.
Mo Dakhil spent six years with the Los Angeles Clippers and two years with the San Antonio Spurs as a video coordinator, as well as three years with the Australian men's national team. Follow him on Twitter, @MoDakhil_NBA.
Report: Joel Embiid 'Still Dealing with Concussion Symptoms' as 76ers Lost to Heat
May 3, 2022
TORONTO, ON- APRIL 28 - Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) as the Toronto Raptors fall the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 and lose their first round NBA playoff series 4-2 in Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. April 28, 2022. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid was reportedly still dealing with concussion symptoms as of Monday.
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, the big man was feeling the effects of the injury he suffered during Philly's first-round playoff series against the Toronto Raptors as the Sixers dropped Game 1 of their second-round series against the Miami Heat 106-92.
Per Shelburne, Embiid will have to exit concussion protocol and get cleared to play through an orbital fracture in order to return to the court. If "everything goes as well as it possibly could," Embiid could possibly return for Game 3 or 4, wearing a protective mask.
Embiid got beat up physically against Toronto. He suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb in Game 3 that will require offseason surgery, though he played through the injury.
Late in the fourth quarter of Philadelphia's 132-97 victory in Game 6, he was inadvertently elbowed in the face by Raptors forward Pascal Siakam. It was revealed he suffered an orbital fracture and mild concussion on the play.
The Sixers officially listed the five-time All-Star as out for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Miami Heat. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported he didn't travel with the team for Games 1 and 2, but there's optimism he could return for either Game 3 or 4 in Philadelphia.
The team goes as Embiid goes. He scored at least 30 points and grabbed at least 10 rebounds in each of the Sixers' final three wins in the series against Toronto.
Not having the Cameroonian available for at least one more game puts even more pressure on James Harden and Tyrese Maxey to carry the load for the Sixers.
Harden was fantastic in the decisive Game 6 against the Raptors. The former NBA MVP had 22 points (7-of-12 field goals) and 15 assists, and Maxey scored a season-high 38 points in Game 1 vs. the Raptors.
If the 76ers can get those kinds of performances from Harden and Maxey consistently, Embiid's absence won't loom as large. If they don't, it's going to be difficult for this team to compete against the Heat.
