The race for the playoff spots is heating up in the Eastern Conference. With more than 9 teams battling it out for five remaining guaranteed playoff spots, the 2023-24 season is set for an exhilarating finish. Of course, the Philadelphia 76ers are in the hunt for a playoff berth. However, recent results haven’t gone their way. They suffered a demoralizing defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers, falling by a narrow margin of 108-107.

However, what happened after the match took center stage, as 76ers’ HC Nick Nurse and Kelly Oubre Jr. hurled abuses at the officials for a few dubious calls late in the game. It was only a matter of time before the NBA punished both Oubre and Nick Nurse for their conduct following the game. According to a recently released official statement, both Oubre and Nurse have been handed a fine worth $50,000 “for verbally abusing and directing an obscene gesture towards game officials.”

While Kelly Oubre’s behavior fell short of NBA standards, he took responsibility for his actions and offered an apology following the match. During a post-match interview, he said, “We’re not perfect. The refs aren’t perfect. I want to apologize for just losing my cool because that’s something I try to work on each and every day and try to represent God in the best way I possibly can and that wasn’t it. I just asked for forgiveness.”

Following Joel Embiid’s knee injury in January, Kelly Oubre Jr. has seen increased playing time in Nick Nurse’s lineup. He has garnered praise from analysts and fans for his performance, and has averaged 14.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game this season. But despite Oubre’s improved showings, the Philadelphia 76ers have experienced a notable decline in results since Embiid’s injury.

Will the Philadelphia 76ers clinch a playoff berth?

The Philadelphia 76ers were off to a flier, with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey leading the way. Nick Nurse’s strategic brilliance, coupled with in-form Embiid and Maxey, made the Sixers one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams. However, their season has been derailed by Embiid suffering a meniscus tear against the Warriors in late January. The Philadelphia 76ers have severely missed the services of Embiid, as the 76ers have only won 13 out of 39 games that Embiid has missed this season.

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However, in a recent interview, Nick Nurse offered a positive update on Embiid’s recovery. He said, “Joel was in practice — I mean, [he didn’t] really practice, but he was in today, doing work. He was doing it against other players. Just kind of skill work, with kind of some live bodies.” He further went on to suggest that Embiid might return before the play-in/playoffs start. With Embiid close to making a comeback, it’s unlikely that the Sixers will miss out on making the playoffs. Can the Sixers clinch a guaranteed playoff spot? Let us know in the comments below!