The Philadelphia 76ers are set to close out their five-game West Coast swing Monday night with a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. It’s been a solid trip so far for the Sixers, and they’ve got a chance to turn a good road stretch into a great one before heading back to Philly to host the New York Knicks on Wednesday.
But they’ll have to do it without their MVP centerpiece.
Joel Embiid, who’s been managing a right knee issue, will sit this one out. That’s no small absence - Embiid is the engine of this Sixers team on both ends of the floor.
In his place, veteran big man Andre Drummond will step into the starting lineup. Drummond brings a different look - more traditional back-to-the-basket play, elite rebounding, and physicality inside - but obviously doesn’t replicate Embiid’s offensive versatility or defensive presence.
Still, he’s a capable fill-in who can hold down the paint and clean the glass.
The Sixers will also be without Quentin Grimes, who was a late addition to the injury report due to illness. Grimes has been a valuable rotation piece since arriving in Philly, offering defensive versatility and the ability to knock down shots. With him out, head coach Nick Nurse will need to shuffle his backcourt minutes, likely leaning more on guys like De’Anthony Melton and Jaden Springer to help cover the gap.
On the Blazers’ side, Dominick Barlow will also miss the game due to illness. Trendon Watford will get the starting nod in his place. Watford brings energy and a bit of scoring punch, and while he’s not a high-usage player, he’s shown he can step in and contribute when called upon.
Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. EST, and while both teams are dealing with some key absences, there’s still plenty to watch. For the Sixers, it’s a test of depth and resilience - a chance for the supporting cast to step up and finish the road trip strong.