NBA Playoffs: Storylines, predictions for Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

How far can Joel Embiid carry the Sixers?

There’s no question that the loss of Ben Simmons is going to hurt the Sixers. Simmons, when healthy, is arguably the team’s most dangerous player on the offensive end and most versatile defender on the other side of the court. He’s going to be a big loss all-around for the team, no matter how you calculate it.

His absence only means that Joel Embiid will have to step up in a bigger way when the Sixers take the floor against a healthier (and possibly more talented) Celtics team. Question is, how far can Embiid carry the Sixers. Even without Simmons, this Sixers team is talented. They have the talent to provide a challenge to Boston. It all starts with Embiid.

If Embiid is the best player on the floor in this series, it could change the dynamic of it all. Generally, the team with the best player will win a playoff series – with the exception with an overwhelming unbalance of talent between two teams.

If Embiid can be the best player, could it tip the scales in favor of the Sixers?