NBA Playoffs 2018: 5 keys to Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat matchup

5. When will Embiid return?

Because irony is a cruel mistress, of course Joel Embiid suffered an orbital fracture in late March after colliding with Markelle Fultz’s left shoulder.

When Embiid underwent surgery on March 31, ESPN.com’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the big man “could return in as soon as two weeks…based upon his recovery process.” While the two-week timetable would coincide with Game 1 on Saturday, Embiid told reporters Wednesday that he was unlikely to suit up in the opener.

“I want to play, but right now I feel like I’m not ready yet,” the Defensive Player of the Year candidate said. “It’s getting there. I’ve got to keep working every day. With the way it’s been progressing, I’m hopeful I’ll be back soon.”

In his three appearances against the Heat this season, Embiid averaged 19.0 points on 41.2 percent shooting, 8.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 blocks in 29.8 minutes per game. He was second on the team in points and rebounds against Miami, trailing second-year big man Dario Saric in both categories, although he led all Sixers in plus/minus (plus-22 overall).

The Sixers haven’t skipped a beat since Embiid went down, as they reeled off eight straight wins to finish out the regular season, including pivotal victories over the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks. To advance past Whiteside and the Heat, however, Philadelphia likely can’t afford a prolonged absence from Embiid.

Next: 4. Will Whiteside stay engaged?