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[Saba Sports News] Joel Embiid has come under scrutiny for sitting out several early-season games due to various minor injuries. After leading the 76ers to a victory against the Rockets, Embiid voiced his frustration with the focus on his absences rather than his health, especially as playoffs approach.
“I saw [the criticism], but I can’t control getting sick or if my knee swells up… The aim is to have great players around. If I don’t meet the 65-game threshold by not playing against top NBA teams, my main concern is to be dominant come April,” he stated.
With the 76ers at a solid 25-13 record and third in the East, playoff prospects look promising. Embiid, averaging 34.9 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, is on track for a third straight NBA scoring title. However, he must not miss more than seven additional games in the second half of the season to remain eligible for MVP, due to the NBA’s 65-game requirement for award consideration.
Despite already missing 10 games, Embiid’s focus is not on the MVP race but on playoff readiness, a shift from his previous seasons’ emphasis on individual accolades. This strategic choice prioritizes a championship over personal awards.
Examining Embiid’s missed games reveals no clear pattern of avoiding top-tier teams. For instance, he sat out against the Timberwolves in November after a heavy 41-minute game against the Cavaliers. He’s missed games against a range of teams, including the Pelicans, Celtics, Magic, Rockets, Bulls, Hawks, and Kings.
If Embiid were stat-padding, he wouldn’t risk missing so many games, potentially disqualifying himself from award contention. His goal is clearly set on a championship title, preparing his body for the postseason rather than pushing for MVP, a significant change from his approach in the last three seasons.