Yikes, well I was afraid this might happen in this first game vs the Knicks. Just two days prior, the Sixers completed a long, tough, seven game series against the Celtics in the First Round, a First Round that required them to come back from 3-1 and win three straight to advance.
Thanks to that series, it seemed to me that the Sixers were a bit sluggish in this Game 1 beatdown by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. But they still looked really bad, beyond simply looking tired. Fatigue can't be the only reason they lost by 39 points. Not a single Sixer scored 20 points or played 30 minutes. I guess it wasn't a bad thing to get the players some more rest as soon as possible. Even if the Sixers are to beat the Knicks in this series, it's very doubtful they were ever going to sweep them.
The Sixers head into Game 2 really needing a win. The Sixers may be a bit more rested BUT unfortunately Joel Embiid has been ruled out of Game 2. This is pretty tragic but he's obviously been playing through a lot, it is what it is, the Sixers are used to it. Hopefully Embiid can benefit from the rest. I am not complaining or doubting the man at the moment. He apparently has ankle and hip injuries and of course he also just had his appendectomy fairly recently. I hope he comes back for Game 3. Even if the Sixers are down 2-0, having Embiid a bit more rested could be a fantastic thing, if he does come back soon enough.
I'm still just shocked the Sixers even made it this far, so I'm just watching in amazement at the moment. The Sixers won't have Embiid tonight, but the Sixers are still sending out a very competent lineup with a lot of talent and experience playing together. The Sixers played without Embiid for nearly 54% of the regular season and they won Game 2 over the Celtics in the First Round without him.
So all in all, losing Embiid is a massive blow, but the experience is there and they've surprised me before! Another appearance by VJ Maxx in another Game 2 would be excellent. A big win tonight for the Sixers would only help Embiid overall. It'd give the Sixers a small bit of breathing room with how to handle Embiid's health.
Things look a little spooky at the moment, but that's a feeling I'm used to with the Sixers. The Sixers have had a swagger and confidence about them for awhile, I hope to see that show up again tonight. In the grand scheme of life, the NBA Playoffs is a rare tournament to be a part of. I hope the Sixers try to make the most of it. This team hasn't shown much fear so far this season, don't be scared now!!!