76ers Futures: Is Philadelphia Finished Without Joel Embiid?

by

Feb 6, 2024

The NBA landscape is in flux as the Philadelphia 76ers‘ championship odds have taken a significant hit due to the injury to their star player, Joel Embiid.

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Philadelphia 76ers Futures Odds at FanDuel

  • NBA Championship Winner: +4200
  • Eastern Conference Winner: +1900
  • Regular Season Wins: OTB

Their odds of winning the NBA championship have shifted dramatically to 42 to 1, while their odds of winning the Eastern Conference now stand at 19 to 1. This sudden change highlights the potential impact of Embiid’s injury on the team’s fortunes.

However, in the world of sports betting, there’s always another side to the coin. While the odds may suggest a challenging road ahead for the 76ers, there’s an opportunity for those who believe in the team’s resilience. Investing in a team when facing adversity, as opposed to their peak performance, can often yield unexpected rewards.

Despite Embiid’s absence, the 76ers are virtually guaranteed a playoff spot, and it’s expected that he will return during the postseason. Maximized playoff minutes for Embiid could result in an increase in scoring and overall impact on the team. The Sixers are far from being out of contention.

However, it’s crucial to consider the hurdles Embiid will need to overcome upon his return. He is slated to miss most of February, so back-to-back games are unlikely to be part of his immediate future. For the 76ers, it’s all or nothing as they strive to secure their playoff spot and then battle their way through.

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The key to Philadelphia’s success undoubtedly lies in the hands of their towering center, Joel Embiid. This season marks his eighth on the NBA floor, a decade since he was drafted, but it also represents his third meniscus injury. A meniscus injury curtailed his rookie season, and he faced a similar setback with the other knee in 2021. Now, he finds himself dealing with a meniscus issue in his left knee.

The four-week timeline set for reevaluation speaks volumes about the type of meniscus repair he has undergone. Typically, a partial meniscectomy allows players to return within 4 to 6 weeks. The 76ers are optimistic about his playoff return, but the real question is, how effective can he be upon his comeback?

It’s worth noting that players have successfully returned from similar injuries in the past, but the road ahead is far from easy. Embiid will need to regain his form and pick up where he left off, a level of play that proved incredibly challenging for opposing teams.

While Joel Embiid’s injury has significantly impacted the Philadelphia 76ers’ championship odds, there remains a glimmer of hope for those who believe in the team’s potential. The door to success is slightly ajar, and if Embiid can reach 80 to 85% of his peak performance, the 76ers could still make a formidable run in the Eastern Conference. The coming weeks will further clarify his recovery and its impact on the team’s prospects.

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Thumbnail photo via Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

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