The Philadelphia 76ers have announced that Joel Embiid is doubtful for Game 1 on Saturday afternoon. That is huge news for the Nets because Embiid has destroyed Brooklyn this season. In games against the Nets this season, Embiid has averaged 30 ppg and 14.3 rpg. Absolutely dominant. Overall, Embiid is averaging 27.5 ppg and 13.6 rpg. Embiid is a top 3 center in the NBA, and he showed just why this season. However, Embiid’s weakness has been injuries. Embiid was drafted with the 3rd overall pick in 2014, but didn’t play in either of his first two seasons due to foot and knee injuries. Embiid has missed considerable time in each of the 3 seasons he has played in. This year, Embiid started out the year healthy but his knee was a problem in the second half. Embiid missed 14 of his last 23 games due to a sore knee and “load management”.

The Nets can catch a huge break if Embiid is forced to miss time in the opening series. Boban Marjanovic would most likely move to the starting center position if Embiid is out. Boban is a giant, listed at 7’3 and 290 lb, but he is very limited. Boban is very good around the rim, but he is not fast enough to play out of the paint and his jump shot is not very good. Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, and Tobias Harris will look to carry the offensive load if Embiid is out. Simmons can be shut down because of his lack of a jump shot, and a good defender (DeMarre Carroll or Jared Dudley) can lock up Butler/Harris. The Nets chances of winning this series will go up significantly if Embiid is forced to miss time. Even if he does play, Embiid is clearly hurting and won’t be at 100%. That could mean he will slack on defense which would allow Jarrett Allen to have good games, or it could mean Embiid would rely more on his jump shot instead of posting up and dominating in the paint. I can defiantly see the Nets upsetting the Sixers if Embiid is out.

#WeGoHard