The Philadelphia Sixers are the latest team to announce a massive list of players resting. Earlier on Friday, the Phoenix Suns announced their starting lineup wouldn’t be in action. Now it seems the Sixers are taking note. James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid are among the names on the injury report. The Sixers have wrapped up the third seed in the West. Undoubtedly, their playoff positioning is the reason for so many key names being unavailable on Friday night.
Joel Embiid has all but locked in his 2023 MVP season. Many among the media believe it is finally the year for the Sixers star. Embiid’s performance against the Celtics earlier this week all but sealed the deal for his first MVP award. Even Sixers head coach Doc Rivers believes the Philadelphia big man is the leading candidate. So his absence on Friday night shouldn’t be a factor in deciding the winner of the award. Obviously, the Sixers will be outmanned Friday night. But that doesn’t mean the team will just let the Hawks win.
Philadelphia Sixers Have Sights Set On NBA Finals
If Embiid happens to win the MVP Award, only one trophy remains for him to chase. Additionally, Embiid has yet to win an NBA championship. The Philadelphia Sixers star has yet to even appear in the Finals. Also, Embiid’s teammate James Harden is still causing that elusive first title. Harden, who is a former MVP himself, has long been chasing that championship ring. Before his time in Philly, Harden was very close to getting a chance with the Houston Rockets. However, the Rockets became the first team to blow a 3-0 series lead in NBA history. As the Golden State Warriors defeated the Rockets in the Western Finals.
There’s a lot at stake for the Sixers team. However, their resume is set as it regards to the regular season. Just like many other teams, the Sixers will now be looking ahead to the playoffs. The Eastern Conference is very top-heavy. As the Celtics and Bucks will be standing in the way of Philadelphia’s quest. Philly’s win over the Celtics this week does give the team a little confidence. However, the team realizes that a regular season victory is minuscule in the grand scheme of things. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.
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