USA Today via Reuters
Jan 25, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 25, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
As the season approaches the business end, the Suns and Sixers will face each other in a must-win game. The Philly side had a bad fall after the Joel Embiid injury, slipping down to the sixth seed. On the other end, the Valley side would require a series of wins to escape the play-in tournament. Amid these concerns, short-handed Kevin Durant & Co face the side that found a new life in Embiid’s absence. Let’s look at both teams’ injury reports and figure out how it further disrupts the equation.
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In Philly, the team listed Tobias Harris, who missed the last two games, as Questionable again owing to an ankle injury. Apart from him, the team’s latest entrant Kai Jones has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Along with him, Joel Embiid, Robert Covington, and De’Anthony Melton continue to be on the Out category.
Sixers forward Tobias Harris is listed as questionable for the third consecutive game, as Philly faces the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. Harris did not play against the Charlotte Hornets (Saturday) and Miami Heat (Monday) while being listed as questionable leading up to the games.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) March 20, 2024
On the other hand, the Suns, which always had one of their big-3 in the injury report, have evaded this time. However, the team has listed the backup center Bol Bol in the Questionable category with an ankle injury. Apart from that, the team ruled out Josh Okogie (abdominal) and Damion Lee (knee).
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#Suns vs. #76ers injury report: https://t.co/nPGuE8efV3 pic.twitter.com/wCDRBxth9n
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 20, 2024
The Suns have had a tough stretch in the last 8 games, losing 4 of them. They are currently in the 8th seed with a 39-29 record. If they remain in the play-in tournament contention, they have to face a lethal team like the Lakers, Warriors, and Mavericks in a knockout game.
While the Suns have a must-win game, the Sixers also have a similar equation. After the exit of Joel Embiid, the team slipped down from the top of the table to the sixth seed. Importantly, they are also one loss away from participating in the play-in tournament.
Philly’s new identity in the absence of Joel Embiid
In Embiid’s absence, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris took care of the business. Even though they had a tough run initially, they seemed to have found their new identity.
The NBA world witnessed the sprouts of the identity in their latest win against the Miami Heat. Maxey produced an impressive performance dropping 30 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds to guide the side to a 98-91 victory. The 23-year-old was supported by Kelly Oubre Jr., who chipped in 22 points with 11 rebounds in the absence of Harris. The team dominated the Heat on both ends of the court, completely shutting down their offense.
Moreover, the latest injury update revealed that Embiid engaged in a contact less pratice session after his knee surgery. Embiid’s addition ahead of the postseason could turn the things around for the Sixers.
Read More – 76ers Horror: Joel Embiid’s MVP Crown in Jeopardy As Injury Update Leaves Fans in Further Sorrow
Written by
Edited by
Shivatmika Manvi