Before I talk about Joel Embiid braving through an injury for the Philadelphia 76ers, let me disclaim this: I am not a doctor or anywhere close to one. My piece here is just coming from an opinionated fan, who’s dealt with the pain of seeing her favorite player (Kobe Bryant) play through injury and suffer an Achilles injury, which really affected his career. 

The Sixers' Joel Embiid Gamble

Joel Embiid, 76ers, Sixers

As much as the Philadelphia Sixers need Joel Embiid out there for their playoff run, they’re taking a huge risk. Sometime after the first round of the playoffs, Embiid was diagnosed with a small meniscus tear in his right knee as per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Wojnarowski also reports that the key for Embiid is to manage potential swelling and pain on the knee. The injury can also be managed with physical therapy and a treatment program.

While this is a very admirable move for Embiid to play through an injury, again it’s also a really dangerous one. Meniscus injuries in particular are considered serious ailments in sports and the scare is Embiid could potentially worsen his injury by playing through it—especially in the playoffs, where the competition is extra physical and competitive. 

Although so far, Embiid is doing okay. The Sixers are currently in a 3-2 hole against the Hawks. In Game 4, Embiid put up 17 points and 21 rebounds while in Game 3, he had 27 points and nine rebounds. He’s had moments where he holds his knee and is caught wincing in pain but he’s admirably played through it.

The challenge for Embiid here is to continue doing that as the playoffs go on. The Eastern Conference Finals clearly isn’t going to be a cakewalk more so the Finals, if they’re fortunate to make it. The competition and minutes are only going to get tougher so Embiid is really playing with fire here. He played 39 minutes in game four and 34 minutes in game three.

So, what should the Sixers do? 

Well, they needed to end this series as fast as possible. That certainly wasn’t the case after choking a 26 point lead to the Hawks in Game 5. Losing to the Hawks in this kind of fashion does not help Embiid at all. The Hawks aren’t a piece of cake but the Sixers and Embiid would’ve really benefited if they advance and wait for their opponent as early as possible. 

But instead, Game 6 will take place in Atlanta where Embiid is likely going to play heavy minutes once again. 

Tipping our hat to Embiid 

Athletes these days, specifically basketball players, are often criticized for load managing games. While it does have its benefits, they get the flack because sitting out doesn’t show their toughness, unlike old school basketball apparently. But this is not the case for Embiid. He’s out there playing through a painful and uncomfortable injury, showing that he is indeed tougher than what people think. 

This alone is something to applaud for because after all, this new generation of players ain’t as soft as what analyst like Charles Barkley think they are.