After suffering an orbital bone fracture against the New York Knicks on Mar. 28, Joel Embiid has missed the last nine games including Game 1 of the 2018 NBA playoffs against the Miami Heat. However, Ben Simmons and company have been fine without him, winning their last 16 games (including the playoffs).

According to Jessica Camerato of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Embiid has cleared the NBA's concussion protocol, but will not play Game 2 against the Heat:

Originally the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Embiid played the most games of his young career before a freak injury caused by Markelle Fultz bumping into him. In 63 appearances including back-to-back situations, the 24-year-old averaged 22.9 points and 11.0 rebounds in 30.3 minutes while making his first All-Star appearance.

Following years of rebuilding through the draft, the Sixers have exceeded expectations during the 2017-18 NBA season with a 52-30 record, third-best in the Eastern Conference. While the conference is considered wide open with the Toronto Raptors needing to prove they are legitimate contenders and the Boston Celtics being without Kyrie Irving, it is difficult to go against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in a seven-game series.

Regardless of what happens in this year's playoffs, Philadelphia has set themselves up for sustained success and will be a force for years to come.