Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Sixers blast Bucks in finale; will face Heat
PHILADELPHIA » Joel Embiid and JJ Redick watched from the bench, Ben Simmons had a scoreless first half and the Philadelphia 76ers still won their 16th consecutive game, thumping the Milwaukee Bucks 130-95 Wednesday night to clinch the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Fultz had his first career triple-double with 13 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds. Justin Anderson led the Sixers with 25 points and Dario Saric had 24.
Embiid wore a black mask during warmups to protect his broken bone around his left eye, then changed into gold sneakers and a peach-colored jacket to watch the Sixers romp to a stunning 80-44 lead at the break.
Embiid said he will likely miss at least Game 1 of the playoffs this weekend because of the injury.
The 76ers have done just fine without him.
Redick was a late scratch with lower back tightness and Simmons, who finished with four points, missed both shots in the first half. No problem. The Sixers hit 11 3s in the first half and could have celebrated the No. 3 seed at halftime.
Embiid unlikely to play in Game 1
While the 76ers are unsure of a timetable for his return, Joel Embiid provided a small dose of clarity Thursday.
Before the Sixers would play the Milwaukee Bucks in their final regular-season game, Embiid said he was “unlikely” to play Saturday in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs. From there, he would consider himself day-to-day as he recovers from a broken orbital bone in his left eye.
Embiid missed his eighth consecutive game Thursday after his injury, sustained in a March 28 on-court collision with Markelle Fultz. Wearing a protective mask, he warmed up vigorously, returning to the room in a heavy sweat.
When he returns, Embiid will wear the mask during practices and games. He said he has not experienced vision issues since surgery to repair the fracture March 31.
“No,” he said. “The first few days after the surgery, I was told it was going to happen. But it hasn’t come to pass.”
Among the reasons for the uncertainty of his return is Embiid’s concern of re-injury.
“Well, I think everybody knows me, and they know I love playing,” he said. “And if it was my decision, I would probably play. But actually, I wouldn’t say that because I don’t think I am ready to play because it still doesn’t feel all the way right.
“Like I said, it’s unlikely. But you never know what can happen. It could be that one of these days I will wake up and it’s all going to be gone. But I just have to see how I feel, day by day.”
The Sixers are likely to play Game 2 of their opening-round series Monday.
“I’m feeling good,” Embiid said. “Since I’ve had surgery, I’m getting better every day. I’m starting to sweat and get back in shape. The next few days, I’ve got to keep working and see how it feels.
“I’ve just got to take it day by day. I’m just following the doctor’s instructions. Obviously, I want to play, but right now I feel like I’m not ready yet. It’s getting better. I’ve got to keep working. With the way it’s been progressing, I’m hopeful to be back soon.”
Until then, the Sixers vowed to cope, as they have in winning the first seven games of Embiid’s absence.
“I haven’t talked to the doctors, so I am just focusing on what is happening now,” Ben Simmons said. “Whatever happens with Jo, it happens. We want him to be back for the playoffs.”
*** It would carry seeding implications. It would be an opportunity for the Sixers to try and extend a franchise-record winning streak. There was the obligation for the Sixers to remain sharp heading into the playoffs.
And there was one more twist of significance to Game 82: Ben Simmons was in it.