The Christmas games are the highlight of the holiday season in the NBA. However, it seems that Joel Embiid missing out the Sixers Christmas Day fixture did not sit well with a handful of names. Philadelphia radio sparked fireworks as Howard Eskin accused the Sixers’ MVP of orchestrating a strategic absence from the Christmas Day meet against the Miami Heat.
Eskin claims that the Sixers star, discontented with the holiday away from home, sought a private plane for a strategic exit from the Miami matchup.
Embiid’s Christmas Day absence sparks accusations
Philadelphia radio host, Howard Eskin, provocatively suggested that the ankle sprain Embiid suffered during the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors may not have been as stringent as portrayed.
Eskin’s bold assertions have drawn backlash from the fans and raised questions about Embiid’s leadership, with the radio host asserting that true “Leaders don’t bail on their team.”
Leaders don’t bail on their team. Oops, Embiid is not a leader.
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) December 24, 2023
The controversy lays down a layer of curiosity to Embiid’s absence, prompting speculation about the dynamics within the Sixers’ locker room.
Despite Embiid’s impressive season and scoring prowess, Eskin’s controversial comments have brought the player under scrutiny. He also said that the MVP was just chasing stats.
“Interesting that Joel Embiid is out of #Sixers Christmas night game in Miami with what is being reported as injury. I was told a week ago he told/asked team officials to get him private plane to fly out day of game (team left Christmas Eve) so he could be home Christmas morning. He fell in 1st qt of Friday night game yet played entire game. Embiid never wanted to go to Miami on Christmas. Found way not to go at all. Merry Christmas.”, he tweeted.
Interesting that Joel Embiid is out of #Sixers Christmas night game in Miami with what is being reported as injury. I was told a week ago he told/asked team officials to get him private plane to fly out day of game (team left Christmas Eve) so he could be home Christmas morning.…
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) December 24, 2023
Sixers without Joel Embiid fall short in Christmas Day
With fans divided and discussions ignited, the drama surrounding Embiid’s absence on Christmas Day has become a major hot topic in the basketball-crazed city of Philadelphia.
As the Philadelphia 76ers embarked on a Christmas Day meet against the Miami Heat, the absence of MVP standout Joel Embiid left a noticeable void. Facing off against the defending Eastern Conference champions without Embiid and key player Nic Batum, the Sixers battled valiantly but ultimately fell short with a 119-113 defeat.
Despite strong performances from Kelly Oubre Jr., Mo Bamba, and Tobias Harris, Philadelphia’s starting backcourt struggled, with Tyrese Maxey and De’Anthony Melton combining for a challenging 9-for-37 shooting on the night.
Player grades: Joel Embiid-less Sixers come up short in Christmas Day loss to Heat https://t.co/nyy7cZyBsP pic.twitter.com/2wByqrhcV8
— Sixers Wire (@SixersWire) December 26, 2023
This marked the fourth game this season that was missed by Embiid, disrupting his impressive run of averaging 40.2 points and 12.6 rebounds in December. And for the season, the reigning MVP is averaging a league-best 35 points per game — on pace right now to win his third consecutive scoring title.
But despite Embiid’s remarkable season averages and recent scoring spree, the Sixers faced a tough test without their leading scorer.
And so, the Christmas Day meet highlighted the significance of Embiid’s presence, making it the only game in the NBA’s festive lineup without a previous MVP winner, adding an extra slab of intrigue to the holiday basketball spectacle.
God forbid this happens, but what if Embiid is out for an inevitable time period? Will the team still be able to win games without him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
