Joel Embiid’s Impact on the Philadelphia 76ers
In the ongoing season of the NBA, one question looms large for fans and analysts of the Philadelphia 76ers: Is Joel Embiid participating in the game? The reigning MVP for the 2022-23 season, Embiid commands attention with his impressive performance when fit. However, the star player has faced challenges, having played in just 64 games over the last two seasons combined, and appearing in only half of the 76ers’ 12 outings this year.
Team Resilience Without Embiid
Historically, the absence of Embiid has posed difficulties for the 76ers, but this season, the team appears to have cultivated a lineup that remains resilient without him. With Embiid on the court, the team has achieved a record of 4 wins and 2 losses, boasting an average scoring edge of +2.8 points per game. Even in the games he misses, however, they hold their own with a balanced 3-3 record and a similar scoring margin of +2.5 points.
Adding to their depth, Paul George, a significant acquisition from last season, is expected to return to the court soon, enhancing their offense. This evolution in the team’s dynamics becomes particularly pertinent for fans and fantasy basketball enthusiasts, especially when considering players’ performances with and without Embiid.
Embiid’s Performance and Minutes Restriction
Embiid, who plays as the starting center, is currently under a minutes restriction. After scoring only four points in his debut game of the season, he has since averaged 22.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over the next five games, playing around 24 minutes. However, his rebounding numbers have notably decreased compared to previous seasons. His backup, Andre Drummond, while playing less frequently at a rate of 11.6 minutes per game, has emerged as a strong rebounder with 6.8 rebounds and an efficiency rating of 44.4% from the field.
Key Players Stepping Up
Tyrese Maxey has stepped up as the key offensive player, regardless of Embiid’s status. When Embiid plays, Maxey’s scoring averages soar to 33.8 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48.1%, along with 8.5 assists. Meanwhile, rookie guard VJ Edgecombe has been instrumental on the boards, accounting for 7.0 rebounds, and contributing 17.2 points and 4.3 assists.
Kelly Oubre Jr., who has taken the small forward position during George’s absence, is also putting up solid numbers, averaging 16.7 points and shooting at an impressive 51.8% from the field. Quentin Grimes completes the picture, maintaining an average of 16.0 points alongside 3.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds.
Performance Fluctuations Without Embiid
After Embiid’s first absence, Maxey exploded for a season-high 43 points, suggesting a potential for increased individual scores in his absence.
However, following that notable performance, his average dipped to 27.6 points across the following five games without Embiid. Concurrently, Edgecombe’s contributions also fell to 14.0 points when Embiid was absent.
Interestingly, both Edgecombe and Oubre’s rebounding numbers took a hit without Embiid in the lineup, largely due to Drummond’s dominance in the paint. Initially, Adem Bona played center in the games Embiid missed, but Drummond has asserted his presence recently, averaging 14.0 points and dominating the boards with 12.3 rebounds over the last four games.
Fantasy Basketball Implications
With Embiid off the floor, the starting backcourt, comprising Maxey and Edgecombe, showed a decline in scoring efficiency, reflected in lower shooting percentages and assist totals. Yet, Oubre’s scoring remained stable, despite a slight dip in shooting efficiency and rebounding.
On the bench, the dynamics shift significantly when Embiid is unavailable. Drummond’s transition from a bench player to a valuable starter showcases his ability to capitalize on defensive attention diverted from perimeter players. Grimes similarly benefits, stepping up as a more aggressive player upon entering the game.
For fantasy basketball managers, Maxey is a reliable starter in all scenarios. However, the data suggests that he may not hold as much value in DFS formats without Embiid, as his production tends to decrease while his pricing remains stable or increases. For those considering prop betting, a lower output could be anticipated based on Maxey’s performance in Embiid’s absence. Edgecombe’s value fluctuates based on Embiid’s status, and he may become less reliable once George returns.
Drummond emerges as a strong option in fantasy leagues whenever Embiid is out, taking over as a premium center choice along with strong prop value in rebounds. Oubre and Grimes also display significant yet varied potential depending on who is in the lineup. Crucially, it’s clear that the 76ers’ strategy alters dramatically with Embiid in play and adjustments must be made on the fantasy front accordingly.
Conclusion
Overall, the absence or presence of Joel Embiid transforms the 76ers’ gameplay, providing crucial insights into how to navigate fantasy leagues effectively this NBA season.
