(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
It was recently announced that Joel Embiid is set to return to his Philadelphia 76ers this week after months of being away because of a severe knee injury.
Obviously, this was great news for the Sixers, who are currently positioned to compete in the Play-In Tournament later this month.
But will the return of Embiid be enough to help the team get into the playoffs or is it coming too late in the season?
Speaking on “Undisputed,” Keyshawn Johnson said he doesn’t think the Sixers have what it takes to get out of the first round of the playoffs, even with Embiid back on board.
He said it’ll take time for the reigning MVP to adjust to playing again and the competition in the first round will just be too much for the 76ers.
Report: Joel Embiid expected to return from injury@keyshawn still doesn’t see the Sixers as a threat in the East pic.twitter.com/Be4qjxgVJr
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) April 2, 2024
The team is eighth in the East with a 40-35 record.
If they play incredibly well over the next couple of weeks and the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat play poorly, they might be able to earn entry into the playoffs without the Play-In.
But it’s much more likely that they will have to battle against the seventh seed before they can compete in the postseason.
They would have to play the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, or New York Knicks in the opening round.
According to Johnson, they won’t be able to overcome those opponents, even though Embiid will be playing.
If he had returned a few weeks earlier, the story may have been different.
But Embiid will need time to get back into playing shape and will have to rebuild some chemistry with his teammates.
Unfortunately, the 76ers don’t have a lot of time to spend on that and need to win as many games as possible.
It’s great that the Sixers will have Embiid back but his return doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing for the weeks ahead.
The post Keyshawn Johnson Makes His Thoughts Clear About 76ers appeared first on The Cold Wire.