Why is Joel Embiid out vs Miami Warmth on Christmas Day? Damage particulars for reigning MVP examined

Joel Embiid has been dominated out for the Philadelphia 76ers’ Christmas Day recreation after they go to the Miami Warmth. The reigning MVP is coping with an ankle sprain, which he sustained in opposition to the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

Based on Shams Charania of The Athletic, Embiid hasn’t traveled with the workforce to Miami. As an alternative, he’ll stay in Philadelphia and proceed to obtain remedy on his ankle as he appears to be like to make a fast return.

“Embiid did not travel to Miami and will miss Monday’s Christmas Day game vs. Heat, source says,” Charania tweeted. “He is undergoing daily treatment and his status is undetermined for Wednesday in Orlando.”

Embiid’s absence will probably be a big blow for the Sixers (20-8) as they face Miami (17-12), the defending Japanese Convention champion. It’ll even be a blow to the NBA, which appears to be like to place its prime stars in motion on Christmas Day.

Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse might want to determine a rotation that can enable his workforce to stay aggressive with out its star participant. Embiid has been on fireplace all through December, averaging 40.2 factors, 12.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists, capturing 60.6%, together with 42.3% from 3-point vary.

With out Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey will step into an even bigger position

Tyrese Maxey has been a real breakout star this season. His performances have gone to a different degree since being trusted to fill the void left by James Harden. With Joel Embiid dominated out of the sport in opposition to the Miami Warmth, Maxey will seemingly step right into a featured position throughout the Sixers offense.

As such, anticipate Nick Nurse to encourage his workforce to utilize Maxey’s pace, playmaking and shot-making skill. Paul Reed will seemingly be the large man tasked with filling in for the injured MVP, which may enable the Sixers to up their tempo and look to get into early offensive actions on each possession.

Maxey has performed in 27 video games, averaging 26.4 ppg and 6.8 apg, capturing 46.8%, together with 40.0% from 3-point vary. He’ll seemingly lean on Tobias Harris and Nicolas Batum as his two major retailers when forcing defensive collapses and searching for choices on the kick-out.

On protection, Maxey has all of the bodily instruments to be a severe risk to opposing ball handlers and wings. Nonetheless, the Sixers might want to put their budding star into positions to achieve success. The Miami Warmth are identified for his or her defensive versatility and can look to close down Maxey’s offense early and sometimes.

Dropping Embiid will probably be a giant blow to the Sixers. But, it’ll enable Maxey to develop as he tastes what it is like to steer a workforce in opposition to a real contender in one of many league’s greatest days within the NBA calendar.