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2018 NBA Playoffs: Joel Embiid out for Game 1 vs. Miami Heat

By Michael Saenz

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers sits on the bench prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center on October 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Thunder defeated the 76ers 103-97. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers sits on the bench prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center on October 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Thunder defeated the 76ers 103-97. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is officially out for Game 1 against the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs

When healthy, it’s hard not to like the Philadelphia 76ers against the Miami Heat in the first-round of the NBA Playoffs.

They will have the two best players (Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons) on the court every night, and are red-hot after finishing the regular season on an absurd 16-game winning streak.

However, that’s not to say that it’s perfectly fine to overlook Erik Spoelstra, one of the NBA’s top 3 coaches, and a deep Miami Heat team. Especially if the Sixers aren’t entirely healthy. And when the two teams take the court for Game 1 Saturday night, that will apparently be the case.

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Embiid is officially out for Game 1 vs. the Heat, Sixers coach Brett Brown announced on the Dan Patrick Show.

"[via DP Show]“He will not play in Game 1. From that point forward, we’ll figure some stuff out. But unless something remarkable happens, I don’t plan on playing him in Game 1.”"

And now this officially becomes something for the Sixers – and their fans – to be concerned about. Miami is a deep, talented team. They might now have the same talent as the Sixers, but they’re a team that is going to battle and leave it all on the floor.

Philly is inexperienced and will not have its best player for Game 1, and possibly longer. That should make Philly nervous.

What will the Sixers do with Hassan Whiteside? Will they try to play small ball and run him off the court? Will Miami avoid playing Hassan to match up with the Sixers? With Embiid out, it becomes a game of chess between Brett Brown and Erik Spoelstra.

The hope – and expectation – is that Embiid will return at some point during this series. But Game 1 will be huge for both the Sixers and Heat. Miami has the opportunity to steal one on the road against an under-manned Sixers.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Playoffs: 8 X-Factors to keep an eye on in the first-round

On the other hand, Philly could make a huge statement by winning Game 1 without their best player.