Sixers seek an even series: How they plan to rebound figuratively and literally
Apr 20, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) grabs a rebound in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks in game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
The 76ers dropped an extremely close game 1 on Saturday with a final score of 111-104. No doubt a game the 76ers let slip away from them and now the Knicks sit with a 1-0 series lead.
To start off, both Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey are listed as game-time decisions and are questionable on the injury report. Nick Nurse did say that Joel Embiid has said to him that his knee is feeling “pretty good today” via John Clark of NBC. Joel Embiid has also been listed as questionable for every game since his return against the Thunder. Tyrese Maxey is also questionable with illness. His presence will be needed for the Sixers as he led the team in scoring with 33 points in the series opener. If Maxey isn’t able to start it will most likely mean Buddy Hield will be in the starting 5 and he has struggled immensely since the all-star break.
As for Joel Embiids playing time if he does play, 76ers coach Nick Nurse said that he may sub in center Paul Reed during certain times of the game to help with rebounding. The 76ers were dominated on the boards Saturday, being outrebounded 55-33. 33 rebounds is the 8th lowest amount the team has had all season and in 5 of the other top 7 games, Joel Embiid did not play.
Tobias Harris, who has made himself one of Philadelphia’s most disliked athletes since his arrival, has had his starting status thrown up into the air ever since Nick Nurse was asked about his play in game 1. In that game, Tobias Harris only recorded 7 points on just 7 shots. Nick Nurse overall seemed fed up with Tobias’ play saying he needed to be “More involved.”
If the 76ers want to even up the series there was one stat ESPN continued to flash in our faces as to why the Knicks were winning. The non-Embiid minutes. The Knicks won game 1 when all of their starters had a negative plus-minus. Think about how insane that is. The 76ers bench got outscored 42-7 in game 1 and if they want to have any chance in any game against any team at all, that needs to change on a dime.
The Knicks are 5.5-point favorites in game 2 and this is almost already a must-win game for the 76ers. In NBA history teams that go down 2-0 in any series are 33-414. Not great odds. The 76ers mistakes last night often boiled down to themselves and Josh Hart isn’t making those insane shots twice. The series is by no means over and this game is definitely one the 76ers can win.
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