The Philadelphia 76ers are aiming to string together back-to-back wins when they host the New York Knicks on Saturday, Jan. 24-a matchup that pits two playoff-positioned Eastern Conference squads still searching for rhythm as the season grinds toward the All-Star break.
Both teams come in with their share of turbulence. The Sixers have gone 5-5 over their last 10, while the Knicks have stumbled to a 3-7 mark over the same stretch. It’s not panic time for either side, but the margin for error in the East is razor thin, and every game matters when playoff seeding is on the line.
Injury Updates: Embiid and George Trending Toward Playing
The big news out of Philly is that both Joel Embiid and Paul George are listed as probable for Saturday’s game, with the team managing their respective knee issues. That’s a promising sign for the Sixers, who are clearly prioritizing health while trying to maintain momentum in the standings.
Embiid, the reigning MVP, has been the engine for Philadelphia all season long. His presence on both ends of the floor changes the dynamic entirely-offensively, he demands double teams and still finds ways to score; defensively, he anchors the paint and alters shots at a rate few can match. Getting him back on the floor, even in a managed capacity, is a major boost.
Paul George, meanwhile, has added another layer of versatility to the Sixers’ wing rotation. His two-way impact-spacing the floor, creating off the dribble, and locking in defensively-has been critical in big moments. Having both stars available, even if on limited minutes, gives Philly the kind of firepower that can swing a tight matchup.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is also set to return, which adds another scoring threat and athletic presence on the wing. However, Johni Broome and MarJon Beauchamp are both doubtful as they continue their stints with the G League squad.
Knicks’ Depth Tested by Injuries
On the other side, the Knicks are dealing with their own injury concerns. Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable with back spasms, which could significantly impact New York’s frontcourt rotation if he’s unable to go. Towns brings a unique skill set-stretching the floor, rebounding, and providing a scoring punch that complements Jalen Brunson’s playmaking.
New York will also be without several young players, as Trey Jemison III, Dillon Jones, and Kevin McCullar Jr. are all ruled out due to G League assignments. Pacome Dadiet, Mohamed Diawara, and Ariel Hukporti are listed as questionable, which further clouds the Knicks’ bench depth heading into Saturday.
Playoff Implications Loom Large
With the Sixers sitting just 1.5 games behind the Knicks in the standings, this matchup carries real weight. New York currently holds the No. 3 seed in the East, while Philadelphia is right behind at No.
- A win for the Sixers would tighten the race even more and potentially shift the balance in the top half of the conference.
Both teams are still trying to find their stride after hot starts and midseason lulls. For the Sixers, it’s about reintegrating stars while maintaining defensive intensity and offensive flow. For the Knicks, it’s about weathering the injury storm and rediscovering the physical, disciplined identity that’s carried them this far.
Come Saturday, all eyes will be on the health of Embiid and George, the availability of Towns, and which team can seize the moment in what could very well be a preview of a future playoff showdown.