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Hope is not gone for the Philadelphia 76ers but it is on a very steep decline. The Miami Heat have completely owned the Sixers so far in their matchup in the NBA playoffs, taking the first two games of their series in a decisive fashion. Joel Embiid is looking to return, though his face injuries are bothering him so much that even using his cell phone has been a challenge.
The Sixers have only been good enough to hold their own through the beginning of the games. They have been outscored in both second halves and both games were already decided with several minutes left.
One thing is clear: Embiid has to play in order for the Sixers to have a chance. Without him, this series is all but done. Although he undeniably wants to get back, the orbital fracture and concussion he is dealing with are no small things to come back from.
If Embiid can get back to the floor on Friday night, the Sixers can regain momentum and get even in this series.
3 ways Sixers can get back in series vs. Heat despite Joel Embiid's injury
3. Dominate the Heat in the paint
Embiid's presence inside is as intimidating as it is effective. The Sixers have gotten bullied on the glass so far this series and have to address that in order to stop the bleeding.
With Embiid back, the Sixers won't have to rely on DeAndre Jordan, who can't keep up in most situations, and Paul Reed, who can physically keep up but is still a very raw defensive player. The Heat have not been lighting it up from inside the paint in this series but have gotten so many close shots that it doesn't matter. Embiid will be able to hold them from shooting or swat their attempts away.
Also, the Heat have absolutely owned the offensive glass in this series. Embiid will put a stop to it. Without these second-chance opportunities, their offense will suffer.
2. Get the Heat to stop switching
Miami loves deploying Bam Adebayo onto ball-handlers by switching in pick-and-rolls. It makes sense, as Adebayo is a stellar defender and is one of the very few players that can actually guard any position. The trade-off they make is sacrificing size on the interior, and the Sixers have taken advantage of it a few times already.
If Embiid is playing, switching just won't be an option for Miami. Embiid is tough enough for players close to his size to guard. Anyone with a big size disadvantage is toast. Switching everything just won't be an option for the Heat. They would not be able to get possessions like this with Embiid in the dunker's spot.
Just look at Miami's defense. They get into switching everything, keeping the ball and front *and* helping it's tough. pic.twitter.com/wxlHpPsZ3M
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) May 5, 2022
If the Heat don't switch on ball screens, it will open up opportunities for whoever is handling the ball. Whether it's Tyrese Maxey zooming by everyone or James Harden rediscovering his mojo with more space to work, pick-and-rolls with Embiid will be the key to getting the Sixers' offense going again.
1. Let Embiid carry the offense again
The Sixers' offense looks anemic far too often without Embiid. Harden needs screens in order to get separation from his defender and Tobias Harris and Maxey just haven't been enough, though they have had their moments. Bringing the scoring champion back should get them all going again.
Embiid will have a tough time against Adebayo, especially with his injuries. But his scoring abilities are still out of this world. The Sixers have had success close to the cup but not from the mid-range. Embiid will help in both areas. Having him again could get Harden to shoot more and create more space for everyone around him.
The Sixers have a lot of adversity ahead of them as they fight for their lives in the NBA playoffs. If one player can overcome the injuries to get them back on track, it's Joel Embiid.
