The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face the Houston Rockets without their star center, Joel Embiid, who remains sidelined due to a sprained right ankle sustained on December 22. The Sixers have struggled in Embiid's absence, with a record of 1-4 in the games he has missed, but they managed to secure a recent victory against Orlando.
Impact Players Stepping Up
In light of Embiid's injury, other members of the team have stepped up to fill the void. Tyrese Maxey recently put up an impressive 22 points, while Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton have also been key contributors during this stretch. Additionally, Paul Reed made a notable impact in the last game with 15 points, ten rebounds, and three assists, signaling his readiness to take on a larger role within the squad.
Philadelphia's Tactical Adjustments
The Sixers' performance without their centerpiece has necessitated tactical adjustments. "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 adaptability will be crucial as they continue to navigate Embiid's absence.
Season Performance Metrics
Despite the setback, the Sixers boast a strong 9-5 away record. They rank fourth in scoring offense, ninth in field goal percentage, and sixth in 3-point shooting across the league. However, their 3-point field goals per game stand at 18th. Defensively, they are a force to be reckoned with, placing fifth in points allowed per game, seventh in field goal defense, and fifth in 3-point defense. They also maintain discipline with turnovers, ranking fifth, although their rebounding is middle-of-the-pack at 14th.
Rockets' Home Court Advantage
On the opposing side, the Houston Rockets hold an impressive 12-4 home record, though they have stumbled in their last two home games. Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green have been standout performers for the Rockets, scoring 24 and 23 points respectively in their clash with the Suns. Green's contribution included six three-pointers, showcasing his range and scoring ability.
Houston's Defensive Prowess
Defensively, the Rockets are among the best in the NBA. They rank second in points allowed per game, third in limiting opponents' field goal percentage, and lead the league in three-point defense. Their rebounding prowess is also notable, as they sit at sixth in the league.
Injury Woes for the Rockets
However, the Rockets are not without their own injury concerns. Victor Oladipo is still recovering from knee surgery and has yet to make an appearance this season. Dillon Brooks, averaging 13.6 points and 3.5 rebounds, is out with an oblique injury. Jabari Smith Jr., who contributes 13.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, will also miss the next game due to an ankle injury, further challenging the depth of the Rockets' roster.
Nico Batum's Continued Absence
The Sixers will also be missing Nico Batum for a fifth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. His absence, along with Embiid's, puts additional pressure on the remaining players to perform.
Upcoming Matchup
As the Sixers prepare to go head-to-head with the Rockets, both teams will be looking to overcome their respective adversities. The Sixers aim to build on their recent success and improve their standing without their MVP candidate, while the Rockets seek to bounce back from their home game losses and capitalize on their defensive strengths. With key players out on both sides, it will be a test of depth and strategy that could have significant implications for their positions in the standings as the season progresses.