76ers can't compete without Joel Embiid's health

In the United States, the Philadelphia 76ers continued their challenging season as they faced the Orlando Magic without their All-Star center, Joel Embiid, on January 12, 2025. The 76ers lost the match 104-99, which marked their weekend of struggles. The game saw Cole Anthony lead the Magic with 27 points while Tyrese Maxey scored the highest for the 76ers with 29 points. The absence of Embiid, who has missed a total of 23 games this season, has been detrimental to the team's performance. They have a record of only 7-6 with him in the lineup compared to 8-15 without him, pushing them further from playoff contention. Adding to the 76ers' woes, they recently lost rookie Jared McCain for the season due to a torn meniscus. The team feels his absence along with Embiid's, as they have struggled to find consistency. Despite some strong individual performances, the team has been unable to bring together a cohesive unit in Embiid's absence. Furthermore, the 76ers faced the New Orleans Pelicans earlier, also without Embiid, which ended in a disappointing 123-115 loss, demonstrating how critical his presence is for success on the court. Plans for a new arena in Center City Philadelphia have also fallen through, marking another setback for the franchise as it looks to maintain stability in South Philadelphia. The proposed $1.3 billion arena was set to transform the Market East area but faced fierce criticism from community advocates concerned about gentrification and the potential negative impact on local businesses in Chinatown. The Council’s decision to keep the team in South Philadelphia is seen as a victory for the community. Members of the Working Families Party have pointed out that this was a crucial decision to preserve local heritage. Moving forward, the 76ers are at a critical juncture where every game is pivotal for their hopes of participating in the playoffs. They need to regain their momentum, especially with key players like Embiid and George expected to perform after returning from their respective injuries. If they do not improve their performance soon, their chances of making the play-in tournament may diminish. Upcoming games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks will be crucial in determining their future trajectory in the ambitious Eastern Conference.