Philadelphia core Embiid is likely to miss the second round of the game due to an orbital fracture and a mild concussion, and it is unknown when he will be able to return. It's a huge blow for a team that desperately needs stars. In fact, Embiid suffered the same fracture in another orbital bone in 2018, and it wasn't until three weeks later that he returned with a protective mask. In the case of Embiid's injury, facing the Heat showdown of the first place in the East, the US media listed 3 players that Philadelphia needed to come forward, not only Harden, one of the cores, but also Harris, who held a big contract, and Embiid's interior stand-in reed.
1. Harden
It's no surprise to say that a former MVP needs to come forward in the playoffs, but Harden has had ups and downs in the series against the Raptors, and thankfully G6 has done a great job of redemption. With Embiid likely to miss Philadelphia's second-round steal of the seventh, Harden will need to keep the engine running throughout the series.
Harden needs to be more aggressive on the offensive end, and Harden will have a hard time facing the Heat because they are well trained and have a very good defense. Still, in order for Embiid to have enough time to return, Harden will have to overcome the dilemma he faces.
2. Harris
So far, Harris has been Philadelphia's "Batman," and while Harden and Embiid's performances, of course, receive a lot of praise, Harris has been quietly doing his job. Harris has been one of their best shooters and he's done a good job defending the best strikers against his opponents.
For the foreseeable future, with Embiid sidelined, Harris will need to prove himself, after all, Maxi and Harden can only do so much together. The Philadelphia forward will have a chance to prove the value of his contract and re-play at his due level during Embiid's absence.
3. Reed
With Embiid injured, Philadelphia's most likely starting center is Reid, making him one of the players who needs to stand up for the team in the series. Reid will shoulder more responsibilities in the second round of the playoffs, and reid will face a tough test against the Heat. Adebayor and Tucker will force Reid to defend them from the perimeter as they have range from the outside and he is likely to be hit by a Heat defender
Reid doesn't need to be Philadelphia's Embiid in the second round, and he doesn't have that ability either, he just doesn't have to be a burden on the team because they need Reid to provide more inside defense.
(Text/Drunken Floating Life)