The Philadelphia 76ers are gearing up for a showdown with the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, and all eyes are on Joel Embiid. Listed as questionable, Embiid is dealing with right knee injury management and right shin soreness, having missed the last five games. His presence on the court could be a game-time decision, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Injuries have hit the NBA hard, and both teams are feeling the strain. The 76ers are not only managing Embiid's situation but also dealing with the absence of Paul George due to suspension.
On the other side, the Pacers are grappling with significant availability issues. Tyrese Haliburton is out, and Pascal Siakam might join him on the sidelines with a left wrist injury, along with several others from last year’s finalists.
The 76ers, currently holding onto sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a 31-26 record, recently snapped a four-game losing streak with an emphatic 135-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tyrese Maxey was the star of the show, dropping 39 points and leading the team to a season-best 56.8% from three-point range.
Meanwhile, the Pacers, sitting at 15-43, are trying to shake off a three-game home losing streak. Their recent 134-130 loss to Dallas was a heartbreaker, despite Pascal Siakam's 30-point effort.
When he's on the floor, Embiid is a force to be reckoned with. Averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 49.4% from the field, his impact is undeniable.
Historically, he has thrived against the Pacers, posting an average of 31 points and 11 assists in 22 career games against them-his highest scoring average against any Eastern Conference team. In their earlier meeting this season, Embiid led the Sixers with 30 points.
Here's a quick look at the injury report for both teams:
- Joel Embiid: Questionable (Right knee injury management / right shin soreness)
- MarJon Beauchamp: Doubtful (G League - Two-Way)
- Paul George: Out (League suspension)
- Johni Broome: Out (Right knee meniscus tear)
- Micah Potter: Probable (Left ankle sprain)
- Kam Jones: Questionable (Lower back soreness)
- T.J. McConnell: Questionable (Right hamstring soreness)
- Andrew Nembhard: Questionable (Lower back injury management)
- Quenton Jackson: Questionable (G League - Two-Way)
- Taelon Peter: Questionable (G League - Two-Way)
- Ethan Thompson: Questionable (G League - Two-Way)
- Pascal Siakam: Doubtful (Left wrist sprain)
- Johnny Furphy: Out (Right ACL tear)
- Tyrese Haliburton: Out (Right Achilles tendon tear)
- Aaron Nesmith: Out (Right ankle sprain)
- Obi Toppin: Out (Right foot stress fracture)
- Ivica Zubac: Out (Left ankle sprain)
As game time approaches, the Sixers will be hoping for positive news on Embiid, knowing his presence could tip the scales in their favor. The Pacers, meanwhile, will need to dig deep to overcome their injury woes and put an end to their losing streak. It's shaping up to be an intriguing battle, with both teams eager to make a statement.