The Sixers' situation has taken another twist as Joel Embiid is sidelined once again. During what was supposed to be a recovery period for his right knee, Embiid reported soreness in his right shin.
After consulting with medical professionals, he's been undergoing daily treatment and working on his conditioning. As a result, Embiid will miss the upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks and will be reevaluated before the team's back-to-back matchups this weekend.
Embiid hasn't seen the court since February 7th against Phoenix, missing crucial games against Portland and New York leading into the All-Star break. This absence has left fans in a familiar state of apprehension.
Many have been hesitant to fully invest in the Sixers, fearing another setback in Embiid's health would derail the team's progress. It's a sentiment rooted in past disappointments, where expectations didn't quite match reality.
As the Sixers prepare to face the Hawks, they do so without both Embiid and Paul George, who remains suspended. This puts the spotlight on Tyrese Maxey to lead the charge.
The Sixers currently hold a 30-24 record, sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference. If the playoffs began today, they'd face the Knicks in the first round without home-court advantage.
Confidence in winning that series isn't exactly soaring. Fans want to rally behind the Sixers, but it's challenging given the current uncertainties.
Even the most optimistic supporters find it tough to muster more than cautious hope. The best-case scenario sees Embiid returning for one of the weekend games, but expecting him to play back-to-back seems overly ambitious.
For now, the Sixers and their fans are left hoping for a swift recovery for Embiid and a chance to see their star back on the court soon.