Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid won't play against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday due to an ankle injury. While Sixers fans are concerned about the All-Star's health since he's prone to serious injuries, there is optimism in Philly that Embiid's ankle injury isn't as serious as first expected, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Moreover, speaking to reporters on Monday about Embiid, Sixers head coach Brett Brown opined that he thinks his star center will play before the 2020 playoffs start.
There's optimism that the Embiid ankle injury isn't serious and that he'll be back soon, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/yvCj70K6dv
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 10, 2020
Brett Brown said he expects Joel Embiid to play again before the playoffs begin, though that's just "one man's opinion."
— Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) August 10, 2020
The Sixers have already lost Ben Simmons for the season due to a knee injury, which means it's going to be the Joel Embiid show in the playoffs for the team. The Cameroonian will likely have to play like the best center in the NBA for Philly to even make it out of the first round of the playoffs sans Simmons.
Sixers small forward Tobias Harris will also have to take his game to another level without Simmons in the lineup.
Embiid is averaging 23.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game on the season for the Sixers in 49 starts. He's shooting 47.8 percent from the field, 33.1 percent from beyond the arc and 80.8 percent from the free-throw line.
The Sixers are currently in sixth place in the East standings. As of this writing, they would face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, as Boston is currently in the third spot in the conference.
Philadelphia has lost in the second round of the playoffs in the last two years. Without Simmons, the team may get bounced in the first round this time around.
Follow Us
Subscribe