The Philadelphia 76ers emerged from their first round NBA Playoff series against the Toronto Raptors with a win but sustained a tough blow in the series' final contest, as star center Joel Embiid, who was already dealing with a torn ligament in his thumb, suffered a right orbital fracture. The injury is expected to keep Embiid sidelined for the first two games of the upcoming series against the Miami Heat, with the hope that the big man will be able to return for Game 3.

His absence will leave a ton of responsibility on the shoulders of Sixers star James Harden, who will have to handle not only a larger scoring burden, but also the leadership role. Luckily, it's something Harden is familiar with from his days with the Houston Rockets. He spoke to reporters and revealed the sacrifice of playing without his co-star Embiid against the Heat, as reported by Legion Hoops and Sixers reporter Justin Grasso.

Harden revealed that the ‘sacrifice' of playing without Embiid is basically that he is presented with the challenge of being primarily a scorer vs a playmaker. The Beard must choose whatever path will lead the Sixers to an NBA Playoff victory over the Heat, whether that means he scores 30 points or only 15.

So far, the role of a facilitator has suited Harden and the Sixers well, as the former league MVP ranks third in the NBA in playoff assists per game with 10.2. However, the absence of Embiid may require a more score-first version of Harden.

Whatever the Sixers need, Harden will provide. Will it be enough?