76ers Have No Choice but To Play the Long Game With Joel Embiid

During the Philadelphia 76ers win against the Bulls, there was a certain player missing down the stretch. 

Joel Embiid sat out the entire fourth quarter, and many fans took notice. Some assumed the game was well in hand, so there was no need for Embiid to go back out there. Turns out, they’re only half right. 

Apparently, the seven-time All-Star is on a minute restriction while he deals with his plantar fasciitis injury. This is a type of injury that can linger if not handled correctly. For a player like Joel Embiid, it could spell the beginning of a very turbulent season. If this injury stays around, the 76ers are going to have to ride the ship and rely on the rest of the stars to take care of business. 

This is the reason many were out on Embiid; no matter what transpires, he is always dealing with some type of injury. Embiid was never going to be back to full health, especially since he’s dealing with two deteriorating knees. The fact that he’s able to walk, let alone play a game of basketball, is a blessing in and of itself. Nonetheless, it’s something to monitor. 

The 76ers should be fine if he has to be in and out of the lineup. They didn’t make those offseason moves for nothing. LeBron James, among a long list of other players, was brought in to uplift this team in the event Embiid went down for an extended period of time. The thing with having Embiid out is there will be a shift in play by this 76ers crew. The good part about all of this is the best player on this team will still be on the floor. 

Tyrese Maxey has been the scoring leader; as a matter of fact, he’s the best offensive option for this team. His presence would be enough to get the 76ers over the hump when Embiid is out. However, it doesn't mean everything is peachy. The paint dominance would have a major hole to fill. His presence impacts opponents attacking the rim as well as the spacing. With limited spacing, it means higher contested shots, but if this team can get out and run like they love to do, the spacing will still be available. 

Embiid matters to this team; no matter what anyone says, he’s key to a championship. As long as the 76ers can manage his foot injury, the team can still do what needs to be done.