This is a good read as we are getting near the end of the 2023-24 Season.
10 biggest storylines during final 10 days of 2023-24 seasonhttps://www.nba.com/news/10-storylines-final-10-days-2023-241. Joel Embiid returns, Sixers regroup
He’s back. Does that mean the Sixers are, too? There’s intrigue in Philly, where the Sixers are worth watching between now and … well, wherever the Sixers finish in the East.
Embiid was a strong Kia MVP favorite and the Sixers were the last team to occupy first place in the East before the Celtics took it for good. Then his knee injury cost him 29 games. The Sixers, as expected, dropped without him.
But now? The Sixers will try to finish top-six. Even if they don’t, they’ll be a strong favorite to emerge from the Play-In. Should that happen, they’ll likely see the Celtics or Bucks in the first round, which will make folks in those towns squirm. Yet Embiid must return to form in a hurry — easier said than done.
This is where I want to focus though as Embiid just came back. Later they will have a game against the Miami Heat and I think they need 1 more win to stick with the 8th spot and avoid having a tiebreaker with either the Chicago Bulls or the Atlanta Hawks. That way they will also have a chance to be in the 6th spot with either Miami Heat or the Indiana Pacers.
I bet the 76ers fans are curious if they can really make it with Embiid's status being on and off. Plus, I doubt the Miami Heat will just give this game away considering it will be played at their home, they will play strong and if Embiid does not play, it will mean a lot in the positioning for the playoffs.
7. Zion’s upsurge
All the jokes, memes and trolling that buried him following his flame-out in the In-Season Tournament semis have subsided. Not only is Zion Williamson healthy, but he also seems focused and is finally fulfilling some of the hope heaved upon him ever since those Pelicans employees danced on tables when he was drafted.
He’s shooting roughly 60%, averaging nearly 25 points and commanding double teams. He has been a force since the All-Star break. What this means: The NBA playoffs need Zion, and definitely vice-versa.
Zion had been playing great but they need Brandon Ingram to be a stronger team. The 5th and 6th spot are still being battled in a fierce way. Mavs, Suns, Pelicans, Kings, and the Lakers. They are trying very hard to be on the same positions.