The Sixers will be without Joel Embiid on Tuesday night when they face the Golden State Warriors, as the reigning MVP sits out due to right ankle and right knee injury management. It’s the front end of a back-to-back for Philly, and as has been the case all season, Embiid isn’t suiting up for both legs.
The decision isn’t surprising-Embiid logged 32 minutes just the night before in a dominant, wire-to-wire win over the Clippers to open a five-game West Coast swing. Since the start of January, this marks the fourth game Embiid has missed, and each one has landed on one side of a back-to-back. It’s a clear pattern, and the Sixers are sticking to a cautious approach with their franchise cornerstone as they manage his workload for the long haul.
The absence of Embiid tonight shifts the dynamic of this matchup significantly. Without their anchor in the middle, Philly will have to lean on its supporting cast to keep pace with a Warriors team that, while not at full strength themselves, still knows how to make you pay.
Golden State will be missing Stephen Curry, who’s sidelined with a right knee issue of his own. That’s a major blow-Curry remains the engine of the Warriors’ offense, and his absence changes the entire rhythm of their attack. Also out is Jonathan Kuminga, a name that still stirs emotions among Sixers fans after his involvement in the play that led to Embiid’s torn meniscus two years ago.
And while he's not part of this game, it’s worth noting that Jimmy Butler-always a storyline when the Sixers and Warriors cross paths-won’t be returning to the floor this season due to a torn ACL.
So, both squads are missing key pieces, but the game still carries weight. For the Sixers, it’s a chance to show they can compete without Embiid, a test of depth and resilience in the heart of a tough road trip. For the Warriors, it’s about finding rhythm without their superstar and seeing who can step up in Curry’s absence.
Expect adjustments, expect some unexpected contributors, and above all, expect a game that might lack marquee names but still has plenty riding on it.