As the NBA calendar edges toward the holiday stretch, the Philadelphia 76ers are navigating a familiar winter opponent: illness. But there’s some good news on the horizon-Joel Embiid appears ready to return to the floor.
After missing the last two games due to illness and ongoing management of his right knee, Embiid is listed as probable for Tuesday night’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. According to head coach Nick Nurse, Embiid was a full participant in Monday’s practice, looked sharp, and reported feeling significantly better. That’s a welcome sign for a Sixers team that’s leaned heavily on its MVP big man all season.
Before this latest absence, Embiid was in top form. He poured in a season-high 39 points in a win over the Indiana Pacers and followed that up with a dominant 14-rebound effort in a tough road loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Those two performances were arguably his most impactful of the season, a reminder of just how much he anchors both ends of the floor for Philly.
But while Embiid seems to be turning the corner, the Sixers’ locker room isn’t completely out of the woods. Illness is still making the rounds, and it’s beginning to impact the rotation.
Dominick Barlow and Quentin Grimes are both listed as questionable heading into Tuesday. Barlow, who’s started the last 10 games, has become a key piece in the frontcourt rotation.
Grimes, meanwhile, has been a steady contributor and has missed just one game all season. Their statuses will be worth monitoring as tipoff approaches.
Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford remain sidelined, though there’s a bit of progress there-both were able to go through individual work during Monday’s practice. It’s not a return to game action just yet, but it’s a step in the right direction for a Sixers team that’s been managing a rotating cast of absences.
One player not on the injury report is Paul George, who sat out the second half of the team’s recent back-to-back against the Dallas Mavericks. His availability will be a boost, especially if the Sixers are still shorthanded elsewhere.
On the other side, the Brooklyn Nets are dealing with injury issues of their own. Promising rookie Drake Powell is out with a right ankle sprain, while Cam Thomas continues to be sidelined due to a left hamstring strain. Former Sixer Haywood Highsmith has yet to make his season debut as he recovers from offseason knee surgery.
With both teams managing health concerns, Tuesday night’s game could come down to depth, conditioning, and which stars are ready to carry the load. If Embiid is truly back to full strength, the Sixers will be eager to reestablish their rhythm-and the Nets will have their hands full trying to contain him.