Joel Embiid’s absence has already shed light on one major 76ers problem

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. | Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesHe's not the same Joel Embiid he was a few years ago, but the former NBA MVP is still a crucial part of the Philadelphia 76ers' presence on the boards and in the interior, and that was well on display during Sunday's 114-98 loss to the Boston Celtics.

Embiid has played just five games for Philadelphia since the start of February, and Sunday's game was the first of a three-plus-game absence as he deals with an oblique strain. Unfortunately for the team, it didn't take long at all for them to realize just how much they're going to miss…