Embiid's Absence Felt by Sixers Ahead of Rockets Clash
The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face the Houston Rockets without their star center Joel Embiid, who will be sidelined due to a sprained right ankle sustained on December 22. The team has struggled without Embiid, posting a 0-4 record before finally securing a victory against Orlando. As they prepare for their upcoming game, the Sixers' resilience is put to the test once again.
Injury Woes Continue
Nico Batum remains unavailable for the fifth consecutive game as he nurses a hamstring injury. His absence compounds the challenges faced by the 76ers, who have had to make significant adjustments in their lineup and strategy.
Stepping Up in Embiid's Absence
Despite the setbacks, other members of the team have stepped up to fill the void left by Embiid. Tyrese Maxey recently made headlines with a 22-point performance, signaling his rise as a valuable asset for the team's offense. Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton have also been key contributors during this period, helping to keep the team competitive.
Paul Reed delivered an impressive double-double with 15 points, ten rebounds, and three assists, showcasing his potential as a versatile player capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor.
Sixers' Road Resilience
The Sixers have proven to be formidable on the road, boasting a 9-5 away record. Their offensive prowess has them ranked fourth in scoring offense across the league. Additionally, they hold ninth place in field goal percentage and sixth in 3-point shooting accuracy.
However, there is room for improvement from beyond the arc, as their 18th rank in 3-point field goals per game suggests. This area could be crucial in determining the outcome of their matchup against the Rockets.
Defensive Prowess
Philadelphia's defense has been a cornerstone of their success this season. They are currently fifth in points allowed per game, seventh in field goal defense, and an impressive fifth in 3-point defense. Their ability to force turnovers has also been noteworthy, with the team ranking fifth in turnovers per game. However, they sit at a middle-of-the-pack 14th in rebounding, an aspect that might need attention, especially against a strong rebounding team like the Rockets.
Rockets' Home Court Advantage
The Houston Rockets boast a strong home record of 12-4, despite dropping their last two games at their own arena. Alperen Sengun's 24-point effort against the Suns and Jalen Green's 23 points, including six three-pointers, highlight the Rockets' offensive threats that the Sixers will need to contain.
Formidable Defense
Houston's defense has been particularly stingy, ranking second in points allowed per game. They lead the league in 3-point defense and are third in holding opponents to a low field goal percentage. These defensive stats will surely challenge the Sixers' offense, which has been without its leading scorer.
The Rockets are also a force on the boards, ranking sixth in rebounding, an area where they could potentially exploit the Sixers' relative weakness.
Injury Report for the Rockets
However, the Rockets are not without their own injury concerns. Victor Oladipo is yet to play this season as he recovers from knee surgery. Dillon Brooks is sidelined with an oblique injury, and Jabari Smith Jr. will miss the next game due to an ankle injury. Both Brooks and Smith Jr. have been solid contributors this season, averaging 13.6 and 13.7 points respectively, with Smith Jr. also pulling down 8.6 rebounds per game.
Adjusting Without Embiid
As the Sixers navigate through this challenging period, the team's adaptability is under scrutiny. "I think we certainly got to find another style to play because it's so different when he's there, and the first couple [of games] weren't great," remarked Nurse. "Playing well enough to give ourselves a chance to win is the main thing without Joel."
This sentiment echoes throughout the Sixers' locker room as they look to maintain their competitive edge without their MVP candidate. With both teams facing off soon, the Sixers and the Rockets will each put their adjusted lineups and strategies to the test in what promises to be a compelling contest.