Embiid's Absence Felt as Sixers Prepare for Rockets
The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face the Houston Rockets without their star center Joel Embiid, who is sidelined with a sprained right ankle sustained on December 22. The absence of Embiid has been a significant blow to the Sixers' lineup, which has struggled to maintain its winning form, going 0-4 before finally securing a victory against the Orlando Magic.
Injury Woes Continue
Nico Batum will also remain out of action for the fifth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury, further testing the depth of the Sixers’ roster. In light of these setbacks, the team has had to find new ways to generate offense and stay competitive in the tough Eastern Conference landscape.
Stepping Up in Embiid's Absence
Tyrese Maxey has recently stepped up, scoring 22 points and showing promise as a key contributor. Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton have also elevated their play to help fill the void left by Embiid’s absence. Paul Reed has made the most of his increased playing time, putting up an impressive performance with 15 points, ten rebounds, and three assists in a recent outing.
Despite these challenges, the Sixers have maintained a strong away record of 9-5, showcasing their ability to perform on the road. Offensively, they rank fourth in scoring and are among the league leaders in shooting efficiency—ninth in field goal percentage and sixth in 3-point shooting accuracy. However, their 3-point field goals per game stand at 18th in the league, indicating room for improvement from beyond the arc.
Defensive Prowess
Defensively, the Sixers have been formidable, ranking fifth in points allowed per game. They also hold strong positions in field goal defense and 3-point defense, placing seventh and fifth respectively. Their careful handling of the ball has them ranked fifth in turnovers per game, while their rebounding efforts place them at 14th overall in the NBA.
Rockets' Strong Home Record Faces Test
On the other side, the Houston Rockets boast an impressive 12-4 home record, although they have stumbled in their last two games at home. Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green have recently put up notable performances, with Sengun scoring 24 points against the Suns and Green adding 23 points, including six three-pointers.
Defensively, the Rockets are second in points allowed per game, demonstrating their capability to stifle opposing offenses. They excel in limiting opponents' shooting effectiveness, ranking third in opponent's field goal percentage and leading the league in three-point defense. Their prowess on the boards is also evident as they are ranked sixth in rebounding.
Rockets' Injury Concerns
However, the Rockets are not without their own injury concerns. Victor Oladipo is still on the mend from knee surgery and has yet to make an appearance this season. Dillon Brooks is currently out with an oblique injury, and Jabari Smith Jr. will miss the next game due to an ankle injury. Both Brooks and Smith have been solid contributors this season, averaging 13.6 and 13.7 points per game, respectively, with Smith also pulling down 8.6 rebounds per game.
Adapting to Adversity
The injuries have forced both teams to adapt their strategies. "I think we certainly got to find another style to play because it's so different when he's there, and the first couple (games) weren't great," said Nurse, likely referring to the Sixers' need to adjust their gameplay in Embiid's absence. "Playing well enough to give ourselves a chance to win is the main thing without Joel."
As the Sixers and Rockets prepare to clash, both teams are faced with the challenge of overcoming their respective adversities. For the Sixers, the mission is to continue finding ways to win without their MVP-caliber centerpiece, while the Rockets aim to bounce back from recent home defeats and capitalize on their defensive strengths. It's a testament to the resilience and depth of both squads as they navigate through the demanding NBA season.