Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 3 ways Joel Embiid’s absence changes series

Three ways Joel Embiid’s absence could change the entire Eastern Conference semifinals series between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers. 

Heading into Monday night’s Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, some of the air out of the series has been let out. And that’s because Joel Embiid is expected to miss, at least, the start of the series with a fractured orbital bone and a concussion.

An injury that he sustained in the Sixers’ Game 6 clinching win over the Toronto Raptors. Nevertheless, not only is his availability for Game 2 and 3 in question, but for the entire series. He’s expected to miss at least five days due to the concussion. That could extend beyond five days depending on whether he recovers from that injury, and then there’s the orbital bone fracture that he’s going to have to figure out.

Either way, it’s an unfortunate situation for both Embiid and the Sixers. That said, the reality is that the Sixers and Heat are going to start the series soon. And it seems like Embiid will have to sit out at least to start out.

How will that change things? We explore three ways that Embiid’s absence will impact both the Heat and the Sixers heading into this crucial series for both franchises.