Every win matters right now as NBA teams vie for playoff positioning. Currently, the Philadelphia 76ers, at 44-30, hold the East's No. 4 seed. They are only, however, 0.5 games behind the Cavs and 0.5 games ahead of the Pacers.
The Sixers are 9-1 in their last 10, and they've won eight games in a row, including an unsurprising 118-101 win against the dysfunctional New York Knicks on Wednesday night. It was a pretty easy win for Philly. In that game, though, there was a scary moment as emerging star center Joel Embiid took a shot to his face.
It was a fluke collision with his teammate Markelle Fultz, but it was a hard shot and Embiid appeared to be in serious pain. Philly fans understandably were concerned. They can't afford to lose The Process!
Joel Embiid is out for the game with a facial bruise after colliding with Markelle Fultz on this play. pic.twitter.com/UzAfiuygig
Team doctors said Embiid did not suffer a concussion, which means he likely won't miss much, if any, time.
Don't see how this is a long term absence for @JoelEmbiid
Even if worst case of facial fracture and surgery, would be back for playoffs with a mask https://t.co/v8eVSC55O0
The conversation quickly shifted once it sounded like Embiid was going to be okay. Soon, fans were wondering: Does this mean we'll get to see JoJo in a face mask? Process + Richard Hamilton-style facemask = greatness.
You think the Process is your ally? You merely adopted the Process. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn't see game-time until I was already a man pic.twitter.com/uVo6HhubWH
I need Joel Embiid back for the playoffs in a mask more then I need air to breathe
I am so pumped for face mask Embiid. pic.twitter.com/keNzzO1HKG
Embiid's injury scare last night will be worth it if he gets to wear the Rip Hamilton mask for the next 5 years #TrusttheProcess
Cant wait for embiid mask t shirts. Coppin like 7 of them
The Sixers will play Atlanta on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Whether Embiid plays or not, it's unlikely Ben Simmons is worried about that matchup.
