After a couple days of bad news regarding the Sixers, there's something to smile about heading to the weekend.
The team told reporters at the conclusion of Friday's practice that Joel Embiid (left hand injury) was a full participant, with contact, as he ramps up his conditioning. The plan is be re-assess the center Monday. Furthermore, according to Jason Blevins of The Painted Lines, the bandaging/splint on Embiid's hand appears to less.
Joel Embiid still has bandages on his left hand but does not appear to be the hard plastic protector from last week. pic.twitter.com/wu6s2ZJCwk
— J Blevins-- (@JBlevinsNBA) January 24, 2020Embiid said he hopes to be back next week.
With Josh Richardson's left hamstring strain set to be re-evaluated in two weeks, the Sixers will be minus two starters against the Lakers Saturday night at Wells Fargo Center. That's far from ideal.
Even though there's still no timeline on Embiid playing in games, it's obvious his hand is improving. We don't know what that means in terms of returning, but if there's a chance it could be before the All-Star break, the 76ers should jump on that opportunity.
Yes, it's important to make sure Embiid is as healthy as possible come April, but it's also imperative the 76ers have good seeding. Heading into Friday night, they're sixth, albeit three games behind second place Miami.
There are nine games before All-Star weekend. Of those nine, five are against the Lakers, Celtics, Heat, Bucks and Clippers—with Boston, Miami and Milwaukee being on the road. If they were to role into those games with the collection of healthy players they have going against Los Angeles Saturday night, their chances to win are small. Not to mention, all of those teams are ahead of them in the standings.
It was hard enough to stay near the top of the East with all five starters healthy. How difficult will it be if two of them are missing over the next nine? The last thing the Sixers want to have happen is fall even further back, hurting their chances for home court advantage through much of the postseason.
This isn't a push to rush Embiid back. That's the last thing that should happen. But, an overly cautious approach isn't smart either. If Richardson were healthy, maybe it would be make sense. Now, it's essential the big guy returns as soon as that left hand is ready.
Smith re-called from the G-League
Another piece of news to come from Sixers practice Friday was Zhaire Smith was re-called from the G-League Blue Coats.
After seeing some action to close the 2018-19 regular season, the 20-year-old 16th overall pick from 2018 hasn't played in one NBA game this season. Richardson's injury might give him a chance to get on the floor over the next two to three weeks.
Maybe his defensive skills, athleticism and energy off the bench will serve the 76ers well.
