The Philadelphia 76ers got back their superstar Joel Embiid last week, and in the process, snapped a three-game losing skid and sparked a four-game winning streak. This included a crucial win against the Miami Heat, and the Sixers are now 43-35 in the Eastern Conference, just one game back from getting out of the Play-In. With just four games remaining in the regular season, Philadelphia plays all but one this upcoming week, and every game truly does matter.
Embiid Helps the Sixers Start a Crucial Run
Last week, the Sixers beat the Toronto Raptors on the road 135-120 and ended a three-game losing streak thanks to an outstanding 32-point performance from Kelly Oubre Jr. However, the highlight of this week came on Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder when Embiid officially returned to play. The team had to shake off some rust, but Philadelphia pulled out the home win, 109-105. Perhaps the most crucial game in this stretch was at Miami against the Heat. The duo of Embiid and Tyrese Maxey torched the Heat posting 29 and 37 points respectively and boosted their team to victory 109-105. Lastly, the Sixers ended the week with a 116-96 win against the Memphis Grizzlies behind Embiid’s 30-point 12-rebound outing.
Rolling with the Momentum
This week, the Sixers travel to San Antonio to play the Spurs tonight. This is followed by a home game against the Detroit Pistons. Lastly, Philadelphia hosts the Orlando Magic, the current four seed in the East. Thankfully, the first two games hold opponents with less than 20 wins this season, so if the Sixers roll with the momentum they have, it should be two wins. However, the 76ers are still the eight seed, and even a game back from the sixth, they will need help. The Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers, the seventh and sixth seed, face off this week as well. The Magic also have a decently tough schedule ahead. If things can roll Philadelphia’s way, and they continue their winning streak, getting out of the Play-In and making a potential playoff run looks a lot more promising, especially with Embiid back.
