Go get your knife
The Sixers at a small crossroads.
Good morning. The California storm knocked out my internet, so you are being gifted with a little more brevity here. Let’s basketball.
Sacrifice to Pan; Francisco Goya; 1771
Joel Embiid is going under the knife to deal with his knee injury. The question remains whether surgeons will simply remove part of his meniscus, which could have him back on the court by the playoffs (in theory), or whether doctors will attempt to repair the meniscus, which has a longer recovery time and would in all likelihood cost him the rest of the season (and perhaps the Olympics).
The Sixers should have that answer before Thursday, which happens to be the NBA trade deadline. But even if Embiid appears to be headed toward an April return, you wonder how aggressively Daryl Morey will move to salvage this playoff run. My best prediction is that if there are moves only likely to be available to Morey now that can also help next season, he’ll take them. If the deals on the table are in theory still plausible in the summer, maybe you wait to see what else shakes loose.
In other words, is there a key player under a multi-year contract for whom there will be a bidding war and resolution now? With Zach LaVine choosing to have season-ending surgery, the market seems much more focused lower down the salary scale.
Scores
Friday
Suns 120, Hawks 129 — Phoenix’s defense actually isn’t that bad for the season, but it feels particularly inconsistent.
Pelicans 114, Spurs 113 — Brandon Ingram blocks a Victor Wembanyama tip and Zion Williamson gets a full-court stampede game-winner.
Magic 108, Timberwolves 106 — A nasty defense with questionable offense? Two can play at that game.
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