The Philadelphia 76ers are 5-5 in their last ten and have strung up two straight wins. What’s more exciting about it for fans is Joel Embiid has returned and made a triumphant return in win against the Chicago Bulls.
The 2023 MVP led everyone in scoring with 31 points while grabbing 12 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey also recorded his first ever triple double in his career with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists.
Is this time the 76ers season will turn things around? That all depends on Embiid staying healthy.
Physically, he is almost there but mentally, he admits that it has been hard for him.
He said in an interview with ESPN’s Tim Bontemps:
Depressing. Just trying to figure it out. There’s no injury. Just between the swelling … we’ve got to get it figured out. That’s it.
I’ve been saying it for the last few months. It’s been extremely depressing. It’s something that hasn’t been figured out, and it’s been extremely annoying, because I would love to play every single game.
Embiid has played just four games so far this season. He missed seven games before the Bulls assignment.
Aside from injury, he is also dealing with off-court issues, specifically the confrontation with a Philly reporter for disrespecting his family.
There was also the issue of locker room conflict between him and Maxey.
Tyrese Maxey felt about good about Joel Embiid recove
Coach Nick Nurse said coming into the Bulls game that Embiid will be subjected to minutes restriction of some kind.
Health is the biggest concern by the 76ers this season. Aside from Embiid, the team is also bugged by injuries to Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.
Embiid is confident about his team but thinks they need to hurdle the issues on their health first.
Maxey said his star center’s return has made things easier for him.
It’s easier, man. There’s a lot more space out there. I felt like today, even when he’s out there and I’m not out there, it’s harder to maybe trap or whatever. They can’t trap ball screens, you know what I mean? Either or if they don’t drive, then I can score or shoot 3 or if they drop too much and help too much for me, I’m pocket passing to him and he’s getting a layup or a [midrange jumper] … it makes the game easier.
The schedule is sort of helping Embiid as they now get four-day rest before taking on the struggling Indiana Pacers on Friday.
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