The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a tight battle for a play-in spot, even with a rough 20-35 record after their recent loss to the Boston Celtics. With 27 games left in the season, they’re only 1.5 games behind the Chicago Bulls for the final play-in position. That means every game from here on out is crucial.
Can the Sixers Make a Late-Season Push?
This is the healthiest the team has been in a long time, which gives them a fighting chance. However, the biggest question looming over the Sixers’ playoff hopes is the availability and condition of their star player, Joel Embiid. The big man put up 15 points and grabbed four rebounds in 27 minutes against Boston, but his left knee remains a major concern.
Embiid has only appeared in 18 of the Sixers’ 55 games this season. As they push for a play-in spot, managing his workload becomes a major challenge. With five sets of back-to-back games remaining, the big question is: will Embiid be available for those crucial matchups?
Coach Nick Nurse's Perspective
Head coach Nick Nurse is taking a cautious, game-by-game approach when it comes to Embiid’s playing status.
“I think we always can never tell until we get out there and see how fast the game’s moving, how well he’s moving, whether he’s taking it to the basket, how he’s rebounding, how he’s protecting the rim—those kinds of things,” Nurse explained. “And then, tomorrow, we see how it responds. That’s usually the pattern.”
This uncertainty has been frustrating for both the team and fans, but the Sixers have no choice but to be patient. Rushing Embiid back at full speed could risk further injury, and that’s a gamble they can’t afford.
The Road Ahead
With less than 30 games left, the Sixers need to capitalize on every opportunity. The upcoming schedule isn’t easy, and whether or not Embiid can consistently suit up will play a huge role in determining their fate. If he’s feeling good, there's a chance he pushes through the grind of back-to-backs, but everything remains up in the air.
“I think it’s all game to game, right?” Nurse added. “If he’s feeling good, I think anything’s possible, but we’re so game-to-game on it right now.”
That unpredictability makes the Sixers one of the most intriguing teams to watch down the stretch. They’re in a tough spot, but if Embiid can stay healthy, they have a shot at sneaking into the play-in and making some noise.
A Fresh Start?
Nurse also sees this as a potential turning point for the Sixers’ season. “Listen, he wants to play, and he wants to play well,” he said of Embiid. “He wants our team to play well, and I don’t think all of those things have aligned very well, right? So we’re at a point where it’s kind of a break in the season. We can look at this as something of a new path forward.”
With their top six players finally healthy, there’s some hope that they can turn things around. But beyond that, the depth of the team remains shaky. The margin for error is slim, and each game will be critical in determining if they can extend their season beyond the regular schedule.
Next Up: Brooklyn Nets
The Sixers will host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday as part of their three-game homestand. This is a prime opportunity to gain some momentum. With their postseason hopes still alive, they need to bring their best effort every night—especially with Embiid’s availability remaining uncertain.
One thing is for sure: the Sixers’ season is at a crossroads. Either they make a late push and squeeze into the play-in, or they fall short and head into an offseason full of tough questions. It all comes down to health, hustle, and how much fight they have left in them.
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