Joel Embiid's Injury Concerns Impact 76ers' Performance Against Celtics
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Joel Embiid was ruled out for the Philadelphia 76ers' matchup against the Boston Celtics due to right knee soreness, as confirmed by the team. This absence raised significant concerns given Embiid's history with knee issues, particularly after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last April.
Despite these worries, the 76ers demonstrated remarkable depth and resilience, clinching a thrilling 102-100 victory over the Celtics. Tyrese Maxey led the charge with 21 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. scored the decisive basket in the closing seconds, showcasing the team's ability to step up in Embiid's absence.
Justin Edwards contributed a standout performance, scoring a team-high 22 points on an impressive 8 of 9 shooting, including three consecutive three-pointers that shifted momentum late in the game. The 76ers managed to overcome an eight-point deficit with just over six minutes left, thanks to Edwards' scoring surge.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 24 points, but their late-game efforts fell short. The Celtics had previously held a commanding lead, fueled by a strong third quarter where they outscored the 76ers 36-20.
However, the Sixers' resilience shone through as they fought back, with Oubre's game-winning putback sealing the deal. This victory marked the third close contest between these rivals within a span of just over three weeks, with both teams trading narrow victories in their earlier meetings.
The 76ers' ability to secure a win without their star player emphasizes the importance of depth in their roster, which will be crucial for their ongoing season as they aim to maintain competitiveness in the Atlantic Division.
Looking ahead, Embiid is considered day-to-day, and coach Nick Nurse mentioned that further evaluations would take place, hinting at the possibility of his return for their next game against the Detroit Pistons.
As the team navigates through the early season with significant injury concerns, their performance against a formidable opponent like the Celtics underlines their determination and adaptability, setting the tone for future matchups.