The Philadelphia 76ers are gearing up to face the New Orleans Pelicans this Saturday night, hoping to break free from a tough three-game losing streak. However, they'll have to do it without their star player, Joel Embiid, who’s sidelined due to right knee injury management and shin soreness.
This marks the fourth consecutive game Embiid will miss, and his absence is keenly felt. Over the season, Embiid has been a powerhouse for the Sixers, averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Without him, the team has struggled, posting a 1-6 record in games he hasn't played since the start of 2026. It's a pattern that highlights the team's dependency on their MVP-caliber center.
Andre Drummond, stepping up in Embiid's absence, reflected on the challenge after their recent 117-107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. "I think when Joel plays, he just demands a lot," Drummond said.
"It’s hard to switch that off when he’s not around. We need to find a way to adjust and have other guys step up and fill those roles."
The matchup against the Pelicans is just the start of a back-to-back challenge for Philadelphia, as they head to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves the following night. Embiid’s status for that game remains uncertain, leaving the Sixers to navigate these waters without their anchor. As they look to recalibrate, the team’s resilience and adaptability will be put to the test.