After the news that MVP front-runner Joel Embiid would be out for two to three weeks with a bone bruise in his left knee, Philadelphia 76ers fan can find consolation in the return of Ben Simmons from COVID-19 protocols.
Doc Rivers says there will be no minutes restrictions for Ben Simmons today. Also says Sixers are likely to stick with Tony Bradley starting for Joel Embiid, keeping Dwight Howard with the second unit. That's how Rivers has typically handled things when Embiid has missed games. https://t.co/frY7Wa5bXf
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) March 14, 2021
Both Embiid and Simmons were unable to participate in the 2021 All-Star festivities as a result of contact tracing. Both had gone to see a barber who has since tested positive for COVID-19. The dynamic duo also missed the first game of the season's second half for the same reasons, but Embiid was able to return for the Sixers' matchup against the Wizards.
It was in the third quarter of said matchup that Joel Embiid landed awkwardly and sustained the frightening injury. The success of the Sixers under the management of Ben Simmons as the primary offensive initiator could be key to maintaining Embiid's MVP momentum.
This isn't the first time the Sixers have been without their star big man, allowing them to give Simmons the keys to the offense. In games that have featured Simmons but not Embiid, the Sixers are a subpar 2-5 this season. These next few weeks could change the national perception around Ben Simmons if the team is able to stay on top of the Eastern Conference standings without the big man.
Simmons, who is averaging 16.1 PPG, 7.6 APG, and 7.9 RBG, has been one of the most fearsome defenders in the league this season. In games without Joel Embiid, his numbers spike to 20.0 PPG, 8.2 RBG and 7.2 APG, per Statmuse.
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