The Philadelphia 76ers concluded their regular season with an impressive eight-game winning streak, setting the stage for their first play-in tournament. Despite sitting out the final game as a precaution due to a minor knee issue, Joel Embiid is expected to lead the team in the upcoming tournament.
In their last game against the Brooklyn Nets, the Sixers secured a 107-86 victory with standout performances from Tyrese Maxey, who scored 26 points, and Tobias Harris, who contributed 21 points.
The 76ers will face the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament, with the winner claiming the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference and a playoff series against the New York Knicks. The loser will have another chance to secure the No. 8 seed by facing either Atlanta or Chicago.
Embiid, a two-time NBA scoring champion, is expected to be back in action against the Heat after being rested as a precaution in the final regular-season game. Despite various injury setbacks throughout his career, Embiid finished the season with impressive averages of 34.7 points and 11 rebounds per game.
The Sixers' success this season has been closely tied to Embiid's presence on the court, as they finished with a 31-8 record when he played compared to 16-27 without him. Coach Nick Nurse expressed confidence in the team's competitive spirit heading into the postseason.
While the Sixers secured a spot in the play-in tournament, their final seeding depended on other game outcomes. Despite missing out on a higher seed, the team remains focused on their playoff aspirations and the potential for a deep postseason run.
With legends like Allen Iverson and Julius Erving in attendance, the Sixers demonstrated their potential by defeating the Nets convincingly. Interim Nets coach Kevin Ollie praised the Sixers' performance and expressed hope for Embiid's full recovery.
As the playoffs approach, the Sixers aim to build on their recent success and make a strong push in the Eastern Conference. The team's resilience and determination have been key factors in their late-season surge, setting the stage for an exciting postseason ahead.
In other news, the Nets are in the process of searching for a new head coach for the upcoming season, with Ollie confirming his interview with Nets general manager Sean Marks.
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