The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid are in a bit of a conundrum.
The Sixers, who have four games to go in the regular season, are almost certainly going to be the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference's playoff bracket. So, naturally, prioritizing health and resting their veteran star players like James Harden and Joel Embiid would make sense.
But Embiid, who as recently as eight days ago missed a game in Denver against the Nuggets due to calf soreness, is the odds on favorite to win NBA MVP (Embiid -200 vs. Jokic +260 on FanDuel sportsbook).
Jokic has missed the last three games as the Nuggets are likely to be the No. 1 seed in the West, while Giannis Antetokounmpo (+550 to win MVP) has come on a bit late, scoring 38, 24, and 33 against the Sixers over his last three games.
The Sixers face the No. 2 seed in the East, the Boston Celtics, tonight at 8pm on TNT.
What should the Sixers do with Embiid?
Joe DeCamara posed the question on Tuesday's 94WIP Morning Show with Jon Ritchie, James Seltzer, Rhea Hughes, and guest co-host former Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.
"This is not easy," Ritchie said. "Basically, if you feel well enough that you are good to go, that you're planning to make this run through the playoffs without issue than you are playing tonight."
Amaro Jr. says he would play Embiid for limited minutes.
"My number was 16 minutes. 16 minutes, play hard, get him in there, get him physical...and get him out.
"They can have the discussion, but this is the plan this is what we want you to do," Amaro Jr. said. "If he fights you and he says, 'Hey I want to play. I want to play because I want to set the tone and I want to be the MVP.' Then you got to do let him do what he wants to do."
"I believe it is Joel's decision entirely," Ritchie said. "I believe that's what been reported through the years. Basically they tell him, you want this go get it. But we need you every single postseason appearance."
"I think ultimately, Ritchie is right," Seltzer agreed. "They're going to let Joel make the decision. But man I would do everything I could to keep him healthy. I would encourage to take it easy, man. The playoffs are coming up, we're not moving. All that is left is the MVP thing. There's nothing else here, worry about winning a title. That's what matters."
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