A Devastating Loss
On Saturday night, the Philadelphia 76ers faced a heartbreaking 105-103 defeat to the Brooklyn Nets, thanks to a last-second tip-in by Brooklyn center Nic Claxton. The game came down to a critical moment when Keon Johnson’s 3-pointer missed, and Claxton out-hustled Paul George for the offensive rebound, clinching the win for the Nets. George’s lack of effort in going after the rebound was particularly glaring; he failed to jump or even raise his arms, a move that cost the Sixers a chance to secure the victory. The loss dropped the Sixers to a 20-26 record, placing them among the bottom four teams in the Eastern Conference, a stark reminder of their struggles this season.
Embiid’s Absence and its Impact
One of the most notable aspects of the game was the absence of Joel Embiid, the Sixers’ star center, for the entire fourth quarter. Head coach Nick Nurse made the decision to bench Embiid in favor of Guerschon Yabusele, who Nurse believed was performing better at center. Despite starting the game and contributing 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in 31 minutes, Embiid’s impact was limited by his ongoing knee injury. Nurse defended his decision, stating, "Well, that group was just playing so well together and had a good feel for the game at that point, and [we] just wanted to let them roll with it." This decision raised questions among fans and media about the team’s strategy and whether Embiid’s presence could have altered the outcome of the game.
Embiid’s Struggles and Future Concerns
Embiid’s knee injury has been a significant factor in his reduced performance this season. Earlier in the week, he candidly admitted that his knee issues are preventing him from playing at his best. "The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I’m playing right now. It sucks," he said. "I probably need to fix the problem, and then I’ll be back at that level. But it’s hard to have trust when you’re not yourself." This honest assessment highlights the physical and mental toll his injury is taking on him. On Sunday, the Sixers and Embiid decided to consult doctors to explore "alternative options" for his knee, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. With current treatments failing to yield significant improvement, the team and the star player are left with a difficult decision: whether to push through the season or prioritize his long-term health.
Growing Sentiment for Embiid to Sit Out
The loss to the Nets and Embiid’s benching in the final quarter have intensified calls for him to sit out the remainder of the season. The Sixers, while still in the race for a play-in spot, face an uphill battle to secure a postseason berth. Moreover, the possibility of adding more help through a higher lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is becoming increasingly appealing. Embiid’s limited contributions—relying heavily on 3-point attempts, avoiding pick-and-rolls, and failing to provide a strong defensive presence—have further fueled these sentiments. His recent performances, Nurse noted, indicate that he is not feeling his best when he plays on the perimeter rather than driving to the basket, protecting the rim, or rebounding effectively.
A Season of Decline
In just 19 games this season, Embiid is averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks, a stark drop from his impressive 34.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks last season. The contrast is even more pronounced when considering his MVP-winning campaign two seasons ago, where he averaged 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. This significant decline in performance is not just a personal setback for Embiid but a critical issue for the Sixers, who rely heavily on his dominance in the paint. The team’s overall struggles, coupled with Embiid’s injury, have led to a season that is far from what was expected at the start.
Seeking a Long-Term Solution
Paul George, when asked about Embiid’s situation, jokingly advised, "Drugs help." While this may have been a lighthearted comment, the Sixers and Embiid are likely to pursue a more serious and comprehensive approach to address the knee injury. With the playoffs looking increasingly unlikely and the team’s performance lagging, the focus is now on finding a solution that can ensure Embiid’s health and return to form. The coming days and weeks will be crucial as the team and medical experts evaluate the next steps. Whether Embiid continues to play this season or opts for a more extended recovery period remains to be seen, but the priority is clear: securing his long-term future and ensuring he can return to his MVP-caliber play.
