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James Harden and Joel Embiid were just hit by a harsh reality check against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night. The 29-point blowout courtesy of Kevin Durant and Co. proved the Philadelphia 76ers have a lot more work to do.
With just a handful of games left to go, the Sixers will definitely be simmering and ready to take on the challenge come postseason. In all likelihood, they'll be very well-rested for the playoffs, too.
Sixers head coach Doc Rivers was vocal about the team's strategy for Joel Embiid and James Harden over the team's final 17 contests.
Via Sixers reporter Ky Carlin
Doc Rivers says that James Harden and Joel Embiid will have rest days over these final 17 games before the playoffs. They have a game plan for them.
Doc Rivers says that James Harden and Joel Embiid will have rest days over these final 17 games before the playoffs. They have a game plan for them. #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) March 12, 2022
Philadelphia currently holds the 3-seed in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race. They currently stand just 3.5 games back of the first-placed Miami Heat while just being 2.5 games ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers at six. There is still a lot left to play for in the final stretch of the regular season.
But at the same time, Sixers fans have seen what their team looks like with James Harden assimilated and Joel Embiid dominating the way he has been all season. They won their first five games with Harden active before their loss against the Nets. The former MVP averaged 24.6 points per game in those contests, while shooting a stellar 53.1% from the field.
The game looked easy for them as James Harden opened up the offense in a way any Joel Embiid-led roster has experiences thus far. They'll still get a handful of games more reps but sitting a couple of games out could do wonders. If they can channel that come playoff time with a well-rested set of stars, their loss against the Nets could simply become a distant memory.
