Despite breaking their five-game losing streak with a win against the Nets on Friday, the Philadelphia 76ers missing the playoffs is becoming a realistic outcome for this season. The Sixers sit at 3-13 after a loss to the Clippers, putting them at 14th in the East. With Paul George hyperextending the same knee he hurt during the preseason and Joel Embiid still struggling to reach top form due to his knee issues, along with the news of Tyrese Maxey calling out Embiid to do better, we could very well be talking about the 76ers missing the playoffs come April. Let’s examine the Sixers’ disaster season so far and why they could ultimately miss the playoffs.
Missing The Playoffs is Becoming Very Possible for the Sixers
Embiid Can’t Stay on the Floor
Since returning on November 12th, Embiid has missed three games on top of the nine he missed to start the season. After he missed a recent game against the Clippers due to knee swelling, we might not get to see Embiid at 100% at all this season. Embiid returning after surgery on his meniscus last season might be the reason. Combined with the almost certainty that Embiid won’t be playing back-to-backs, expect to see Embiid in the injury report often this season.
Even in the games he’s played so far, Embiid hasn’t looked his normal self. In four games, Embiid is averaging 19.8 points on 37.9 percent shooting from the field. While Embiid has largely been disappointing, his 35-point performance against the Memphis Grizzlies adds hope for Philly fans for what could be once everyone is healthy. He looks uncertain when the ball is in his hands, less aggressive and sluggish at times. The Sixers will need Embiid to be more aggressive if they hope to turn their season around. It’s still too early to see if the Grizzlies game is an outlier or an indicator of Embiid reaching normal form, especially when he’s missed three of the last seven games. Truth be told, Embiid could be more hurt than the Sixers are letting on. Regardless, Philly isn’t winning without him on the court or at this level of play.
Paul George Might Be Regressing
George was seen as a reliable third, and some nights, the second option next to Embiid and Maxey. He was also seen as a perfect fit as a two-way wing. Getting hurt in the preseason may be playing a part, but he hasn’t looked like that to start the season. When he’s played, George looks passive and is looking for his own shot less frequently. When George has looked to score, he’s struggled with that, averaging 14.9 points and shooting a career-low 27.8% from three. The rough start might be attributed to the injuries stopping George from building chemistry with Philly’s stars. Or it could even be the early season minutes restriction. No matter what it is, Philly can’t continue with George playing like that.
On top of the poor play, George’s injuries aren’t making things any better. Many people point to Embiid’s injury history, but George has only eclipsed 65 games played once in the last four seasons. Notably, George missed the entire 2023 Postseason. With PG already being 34, that doesn’t add hope for a franchise that signed George to a four-year deal. Jared McCain is playing like the ROTY, but it won’t matter if Embiid and George aren’t on the court.
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