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Sixers: Time is of the essence after Joel Embiid’s diagnosis

By Duncan Smith

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards during Game Two of the Eastern Conference first round series at Wells Fargo Center on May 26, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards during Game Two of the Eastern Conference first round series at Wells Fargo Center on May 26, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards may be in a lopsided 1 vs 8 matchup, but the Sixers need to close out in Game 5. Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with a “small” tear in his right meniscus and has been officially ruled out on a day-to-day basis, and he’ll miss Game 5 on Wednesday night against the Wizards.

There are some injuries that simply are not day-to-day situations, even in the most optimistic of contexts, and for a 7-foot, 280 lbs big man, a torn meniscus is one of them.

The Sixers need to close out in Game 5 after Joel Embiid’s diagnosis

According to the Sixers, Embiid’s injury will be managed with physical therapy and treatment, and that’s something that takes time. Ultimately, it could take more time than the Sixers could provide him even with a swift and decisive Game 5 victory over the Wizards, but it’s the best thing his team can do for him at this point.

The Wizards will smell blood in the water against this weakened Sixers squad and try to make the rest of this series as miserable as possible. Even if they can’t pull off a historic 0-3 comeback, extending the series as long as they can has some value. Moving on is the first goal in the playoffs, but playing some part in the doom of their vastly superior opponent by forcing them into a war of attrition, only to lose earlier than expected in the next round should be a target for them.

As for the Sixers, they can’t allow themselves to get dragged into the muck of an extended series. They may lead 3-1, but they should treat Wednesday’s game like a must-win Game 7. This is the time to take care of business and root for a New York Knicks comeback against the Atlanta Hawks to extend that series while Embiid heals up as much as possible with a few extra days of rest.

Of course, the Sixers can’t control what happens between the Knicks and Hawks, all they can control is their on-court performance against the Wizards. And control it they must.

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