Joel Embiid returns from injury: Are they the most dangerous play-in team?
This week, Joel Embiid made his return from against the Oklahoma City Thunder at home in Philadelphia. In 29 minutes, Embiid played well against a short handed Thunder team dropping 24 points and leading the Sixers to the 109-105 win. The Sixers have won 4 straight games since Embiid made his return from injury including a crucial win over the Heat who they likely play in the play-in tournament. Their recent success has put them a half game ahead of the Heat for the seventh seed in the East with just three games left in the Season.
The return of the Philadelphia superstar could shake up things in the East come playoff time as a matchup with Embiid in the first round could be a tough matchup. Especially for the top teams in the East such as the Bucks who have struggled recently. With the Sixers likely to be a play-in team due to their fall in the standings in Embiid's absence they are easily the most dangerous team in the play-in now that Embiid is healthy. If Embiid can get back to his incredible level of play from earlier in the season the Sixers could be a team no one wants to face early on in the playoffs. However, if Embiid is not fully healthy they likely will not reach their full potential even though his running mate in Tyrese Maxey has been playing brilliantly as well this season.
Julius Randle has season ending should surgery: Are the Knicks chances to make a deep playoff run over?
The Knicks have one of their most talented teams in recent memory but unfortunately we will not be seeing what a healthy Knicks team could like this season. Despite already dealing with several injuries throughout the season the Knicks were hopeful to be fully healthy come playoff time. With the latest news regarding their star Julius Randle the Knicks face a tough road ahead as Randle announced he is having season ending shoulder surgery. With the loss, the Knicks will be without a player who is their second leading scorer when healthy and their playoff chances could also be severely impacted.
As Sunday's win over the Bucks on the road should indicate the Knicks are still a very talented team. They currently are still holding to the 4th seed in the East and with just 4 game left in their season could likely have a rematch against the reeling Cleveland Cavaliers. The loss of Randle will truly be felt in the second as the Knicks are likely to play the Boston Celtics who have the best record in the NBA. Even if Brunson is able to maintain his high level of play missing a player of Randle's caliber will make it nearly impossible to take down a fully healthy Celtics squad. If the Knicks were fully healthy I believe they easily would have been the second seed in the East and made the Conference Finals but with their current situation a second round exit is far more likely.
Bucks lose 3 straight to non playoff teams: Are the Bucks in trouble?
The Doc Rivers era for the Bucks has not gone the way either side had hoped as they now have a losing record under Rivers. Even worse, their recent losses to non playoff teams in the Wizards, Grizzlies, and Raptors is the latest example of the Bucks struggles. A major reason for the Bucks struggles has been their defense which has been their primary issue they have been unable to figure out basically the whole season. A 22nd ranked defense is far from championship caliber and their offense has not been able to allow them overcome their issues on the other end of the court consistently .They also have dealt with star players be in and out the lineup over recent games making them even more vulnerable despite playing against teams they were favored against. In my opinion, the biggest x-factor is Khris Middleton as when he has been healthy alongside Giannis and Damian Lillard the Bucks are a different team
With the playoffs right around the corner, the Bucks have almost run of time to find the proper winning formula for such a talented team with championship. Though the Bucks are still holding on to the second seed in the East they are just a game ahead of the Magic who they face twice in the final week of the regular season. The Bucks could be in major trouble come playoff time as regardless of what seed they finish with they simply are not playing winning basketball right now. If the Bucks are not able to resolve their issues soon and regain their focus they could face back to back disappointing early playoff exits.
Game of the week- Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey took over for his shorthanded team in a road matchup against Wembanyama and the San Antonio. Maxey scored a career high 52 points to outlast the Spurs in double overtime to lead the Sixers to the 133-226 win.
Source: NBA YouTube Channel
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