Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid holds the keys to the team’s success. They will not be able to win a championship in the 2020-21 season unless he is healthy and ready to go for when the playoffs roll around.
As the playoffs approach, the big fella looks like he is taking steps forward. After playing plenty of games with a balky knee brace after missing 10 games due to a bone bruise in his left knee, he has not had it on recently and it is something that has been noticeable with his mobility on the floor.
He had 17 points and seven rebounds in Wednesday’s win over the Atlanta Hawks that clinched a playoff spot for the team. This was not the first game Embiid has not worn the knee brace.
“I think it’s his third if I’m not mistaken,” said coach Doc Rivers. “I’m not sure. I know it’s more than two.”
The big fella is moving a little better out on the floor and he is ready to continue taking steps forward for the team offensively.
“It’s doing good,” said Embiid. “It’s hard when you go from something so heavy to where it feels weird. It’s definitely better, but I’m still not moving the way I was before, mainly because I’m trying to let the game come to me.”
With 10 games left in the regular season before the playoffs, Embiid just wants to make sure he is ready to go for when the games matter the most. As mentioned, Philadelphia will go as far as the big fella will take them.
“Also, I don’t want to push too much,” he added. “I want to let it come to me. I don’t want to skip steps, but by the time we get to the playoffs, I should be back to the aggressiveness and the dominance that I had before.”
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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