Joel

Embiid

Thursday’s game was the best of the Paris Olympics for Embiid, who has continued to get booed by French fans every time he touches the basketball. While there were some rebounding mishaps, the 76ers center made some big shots as the United States completed its rally in the fourth quarter. Things won’t get any easier for Embiid, as he’ll have to deal with France’s Victor Wembanyama in the gold medal game on Saturday. The fact that he could play 27 minutes after dealing with ankle discomfort during the quarterfinal win over Brazil was good news for anyone concerned about Embiid’s health.

Embiid scored 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds in the first half before sitting for the final two quarters. It’s unclear whether his discomfort will affect his playing time against Serbia in the next round.

Embiid has been ineffective for most of the Olympics, and he didn’t see the floor at all against South Sudan. That was more of a personnel decision based on matchups than a true benching, according to Steve Kerr. He returned to the starting unit for this game and had his best game in a Team USA jersey. If they’re able to rely on him more, the former MVP should be able to make a big impact for them as they continue to compete for a gold medal.

While Embiid’s production tailed off during the fourth quarter, last season’s MVP was a warrior in this series. He played through a left knee that did not look fully healed, and a case of Bell’s palsy didn’t help matters, either. Health has been the story throughout Embiid’s career, with availability being the most significant issue. The productivity will be there, so The Process will remain an early first-round pick in most fantasy drafts in the fall. However, the emergence of Victor Wembanyama knocks Embiid down a peg to where he may no longer be a lock to come off the board within the first five picks.

As expected, Embiid will play as the 76ers look to extend this series to a decisive seventh game. Should he encounter any flare-ups with the knee, Paul Reed would be the next man up in the rotation.

Embiid remains on the injury report, but the good news is that the migraine headache is no longer an issue. Look for him to log heavy minutes as the 76ers attempt to force a decisive seventh game.

Embiid has clearly been playing through injuries throughout the series, and it showed with his performance in this game. It wasn’t all bad, and he was still able to make some big plays late. The triple-double also helps make his night look a little better, but the poor shooting and plethora of turnovers were more indicative of his performance. Still, they were able to steal a win on the road, which shifts the series back to Philly for Game 6. They will still have to win another game in New York to win the series, and if they want to do that, Embiid will have to be better, even if he’s hurting.

Embiid, who has been dealing with multiple injuries during this series, will play on Tuesday as the 76ers look to keep their season alive. If the reigning MVP experiences any complications with his knee, Paul Reed will take on an increased workload.

It’s not surprising that Embiid’s nagging knee injury is on the injury report, but his migraine is a new designation. He did not report to shootaround on Tuesday morning and Paul Reed will be first in line for a heavier workload if Embiid is ruled out.

Embiid’s knee has bothered him throughout the series with the Knicks, so it’s no surprise that he’s questionable for Game 5. Philly is on the brink of elimination, but it’s unclear if the Sixers want to risk further injury and fight for a Game 6 or give Embiid time to recover and essentially concede the series. If he can’t go, Paul Reed would presumably start in his place.