Dave Uram
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 1 beatdown of the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center Saturday was extremely deceiving.
The Sixers won by 27 points without Joel Embiid. It was their 17th victory in a row, nine of which were 100 percent with Embiid sidelined by an orbital fracture and concussion.
It was easy to think that the talented center wasn’t needed for advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. But, the 113-103 loss in Game 2 proved otherwise.
If Embiid doesn’t return in at least one of the upcoming games in Miami, preferably Game 3, the Heat will win the series.
This isn’t a “hot take” or a far-fetched opinion.
The Heat won both games at American Airlines Arena against the 76ers this season. Miami adjusted to the Sixers after Game 2. An NBA Playoff series is different than a cookie close to the regular season.
The Sixers weren’t going to consistently make 18 threes and the Heat were most certainly going to make changes for Game 2. The Heat were too physical and the 76ers were without a backup plan in light of their off shooting night.
Embiid’s presence would’ve compensated for going 7 of 36 from three-point range. The Sixers wouldn’t have lost the second quarter 34-13. Miami would’ve experience more difficulty on the offensive side and Dwyane Wade might’ve score 20 instead of 28.
It’s very possible 17 straight made us forget just how important Embiid is on the floor. Ben Simmons picking up the slack was an understandable reason to overlook Embiid’s impact. Game 2 was a harsh reminder otherwise. Simmons is a potential superstar, but Embiid possesses just as much, if not more talent, that can’t be replaced.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, Embiid is doubtful for Game 3. The 24-year-old is said to be participating more in practice and progressing. The doubtful status could just be strategy by the 76ers to not show their hand. Or, they could be overly cautious and concerned that playing him prematurely can risk significant long term repercussions. Embiid’s Instagram story postgame complaining of babying suggests “The Process” isn’t that worried.
Embiid’s long-term health is important and those who argue that sport a solid case. But, Embiid didn’t publicly complain about a minutes restriction at the start of the season for nothing. The big man didn’t suit up in over 60 games this season for nothing. He did so for the playoffs. He wants to play. He deserves to play. The Sixers need him to play.
The Penguins are Pennsylvania’s Hockey Team
This section will understandably hurt Flyers fans, and it should. My goodness, two home playoff games with a combined losing score of 10-1 is brutal. You can’t help but feel bad for people who spent hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars for seats.
Not to pour salt in the wound, but the Penguins absolutely own the Flyers, as evident in their 5-0 Game 4 win at Wells Fargo Center to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Pittsburgh outscoring the Flyers 18-6 in this series. If you count regular season games, the Pens lit the lamp 42 times in seven games. That’s six goals a game, which is nuts.
Once Pittsburgh eliminates the Flyers from postseason contention, the Sidney Crosby era Pens will be winners of three of four playoff series against the Orange and Black.
There is no team in hockey Flyers fans dislike more than Pittsburgh. Team brass needs to recognize that so games against their biggest rival are more competitive.
Once again, there is no quarterback controversy with the Eagles
Are you surprised?
Not going to lie, but even though I kind of am, I’m not.
I’m shocked Nick Foles publicly admitted such aspiration in an interview with KVUE in Austin, Texas.
Why wouldn’t he? He’s a competitor. He loves football. Starting in the NFL is better than holding a clipboard, which is what the Eagles plan on him doing for the 2018 season once Carson Wentz is ready, which could be Week 1.
But, to suggest that Eagles really need to deal Foles now because keeping him around will be a distraction is ridiculous.
There is no quarterback controversy. Foles clearly states in the interview this is Wentz’s team and that even though he wants to be a starting quarterback, he likes it in Philadelphia.
Also notice that the Birds didn’t make Foles available to the media like Wentz as they start their off-season program. The reason is Wentz is the starter and the Super Bowl MVP isn’t.
Foles will only be an Eagles for one more season, and he’ll do so as Wentz’s backup with a tremendous attitude.
Before I forget…
• Gabe Kapler is doing the best job he can managing the Phillies’ “puzzle.” There are too many starting quality players for only eight open positions. The roster constructed by general manager Matt Klentak was bound to upset a few players here and there. Sooner rather than later, Klentak needs to move some pieces. Who that will be remains to be seen. But, Carlos Santana’s numbers aren’t eye-popping the first few weeks of the season. Maikel Franco is struggling. Aaron Altherrr and Jorge Alfaro are even in a slump numbers-wise. Yes, the sampling size is small, but some guys need to play almost every day. More importantly, Scott Kingery should be at one position rather than several. At 10-7 two and a half weeks into the season, Kapler’s biggest task won’t be handling the demanding fan base, but solving the nightly jigsaw puzzle that is his lineup.
• Major League Baseball is experiencing a major problem in its first month of the season. Games are being postponed because of the elements in cold weather cities. The league needs to figure out a way to make dome teams and warm weather cities play more home games in April to avoid these occurrences.
• Is Kevin Hart the new Spike Lee? Dwyane Wade cited Hart’s heckling as motivation to playing so well in the Heat’s Game 2 win over the 76ers. How frustrating would it be for Sixers fans if Hart is the cause more Wade throwbacks? Take it easy there, Kevin.
Dave Uram is a weekly contributor to Philly Influencer. You can follow him on Twitter (@MrUram) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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