The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a dramatic overtime victory against the Charlotte Hornets, but the path to playoff contention remains challenging. Historically, just 20 teams in the NBA have reached the playoffs after starting with records of 1-6 or 0-7, and only three teams have accomplished this feat in the last 27 years. The most recent examples include the 2003-04 Miami Heat and the 2004-05 Chicago Bulls, who both began their seasons at 0-7, as well as the 2021-22 New Orleans Pelicans, who started 1-6.
Joel Embiid, a seven-time All-Star, is returning to the lineup after sitting out for knee management and serving a three-game suspension due to an incident involving a media member. However, he has stated that he will not participate in back-to-back games this season, which means he will miss the upcoming game against Cleveland. The next consecutive games will be on December 3 against Charlotte and December 4 at home against Orlando.
The 76ers have made it clear since preseason that managing Embiid’s playing time is a priority. The goal is to preserve his health and ensure he is ready for the playoffs, a critical aim considering past seasons have been hampered by injuries. Coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the complexities involved in deciding when Embiid plays, especially given the uncertainty of injuries.
While fans eagerly anticipate Embiid’s return, as evidenced by his banners at the Wells Fargo Center and the excitement from teammates, the team understands that integrating new players and managing expectations will have its challenges. As player Cody Martin pointed out, “You’ve got to expect there to be hiccups and kinks,” which remains a reality for the 76ers.
In summary, while the road ahead for the 76ers is tough, there is still hope. With strategic management and careful planning around Embiid’s participation, the team aims to overcome obstacles and push towards a successful playoff run this season. This cautious yet optimistic approach exemplifies the franchise’s commitment to achieving their long-awaited championship goal.
As fans rally around their team, the belief is strong that with the right management, the 76ers can find their rhythm and make a significant impact this season.