Philadelphia 76ers: 8 ways to make the 2019 NBA Finals

1. Joel Embiid stays injury free

And now we come to the biggest reason to believe the 76ers will be better and go further in the playoffs in 2018-19. Joel Embid’s minutes restriction and games restriction will be lifted. The Sixers’ star has been working out and playing in games this summer with no restrictions.

That fact, in and of itself, should make the 76ers a substantially better team, maybe a 60 win team.

But here is the big “if,” Embiid needs to stay healthy.

Embiid only played in 63 games last season and average 30 minutes a game. In those games he averaged 22.9 points and 11 rebounds. Allowing him to play just three more minutes a game should bring those numbers to 26 points and 12 rebounds. Those are MVP numbers.

The games restriction is an even bigger deal. When Emiid plays, the 76ers are significantly better. In an article entitled, Joel Embiid is better than you thought, Mitch Adams from ESPN writes,

"“Embiid’s impact can’t be overstated. With Embiid on the court, the Sixers had the scoring margin of a 68-win team this season — which would have given them the best record in the NBA.”"

He’s that good. Or as Adams describes him, with statistics to back it up, “Hall of Fame” good.

We know he’s good, but can he stay healthy. That is the question. Injuries and health concerns have kept Embiid out of 244 regular season games in four seasons. He has played just 94.

Maybe the foot that kept him out for his first two full seasons is healed for good, but the type of injury that Embiid suffered has not been kind to big men in the NBA’s history. Sixers’ fans and the front office will whine with every fall and stumble by the 7-footer.

This season will tell us a lot about Embiid’s long-term health. And there is reason for optimism. Doctor’s have been careful, some including Embiid have though too careful. There have been advancements in surgery and rehabilitation.

If Embiid does stay healthy and continues to progress, the 76ers can not only make it to the NBA Finals this year, but for years to come.