The Philadelphia 76ers’ injury report for their Play-In Tournament game against the Orlando Magic has been released, and it includes an expected absence.
Sixers star center Joel Embiid hás been officially ruled out of the game as he continues to recover from an emergency appendectomy that he underwent last week. So far, no timeline for a potential return to game action for Embiid has been provided by the Sixers.
Joel Embiid Officially Ruled Out for Play-In Game Against Orlando Magic
Embiid wasn’t expected to recover in time for the Play-In Tournament, so his absence doesn’t come as a surprise, but it is still a major bummer for the Sixers, who are a much more dangerous team when the big man is on the floor.
In 38 games for Philadelphia during the regular season, Embiid averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 blocks per performance.
Outside of Embiid, the injury report is pretty light for Philadelphia. Rookie big man Johni Broome (right knee surgery recovery) is the only other player who has been ruled out of the game, and he was a non-factor for the Sixers throughout the season. Forward Trendon Watford is the only other Sixer with a designation on the report. He’s listed as probable with an illness.
This is pretty much a best-case scenario for the Sixers, all things considered. Obviously missing Embiid is a huge blow, but it was expected. Otherwise, all of their other key contributors will be available, which is massively important.
Magic Have Health on Their Side Heading into Play-In Tournament
The same could be said for Orlando, too. The Magic only have a couple of players listed on their official injury report. Jett Howard (left ankle sprain) and Jonathan Isaac (left knee sprain) are both listed as questionable for the contest. So outside of Embiid, both teams will be largely healthy for the matchup, which is exactly what you want as a basketball fan.
If Philadelphia is able to advance past the Play-In Tournament, perhaps Embiid will eventually be able to return to the floor. But, the Sixers can’t afford to overlook Orlando, as that could be a recipe for disaster. Luckily, star guard Tyrese Maxey seems to be approaching the matchup with the requisite respect for the opponent.
“I mean, they’re a tough team,” Maxey said of Orlando. “They won like five straight, five or six straight prior to right now. They’re getting guys back, and they’re a playoff team. They’ve been in the playoffs the last couple years. They know how to play. They have very good talent, and they’re well coached. So, it’s gonna be a good challenge for us.”
If the Sixers take care of business against Orlando, they’ll advance to the postseason as the No. 7 seed, which would give them a first-round matchup with the rival Boston Celtics. If they lose then they’ll take on the winner of the Play-In game between the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets for the East’s No. 8 seed and a meeting with the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the first round.
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