Joel Embiid
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Considering that Joel Embiid had MVP caliber stats last season, his production thus far has been somewhat underwhelming. He’s averaging 22.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assist and 1.5 blocks this year. However, there’s two reasons to why he’s had a drop off in his production.
First being is that he’s averaging around four less minutes this year versus last year. The second being due to the fact that the Sixers don’t need to rely on him so much this year. Al Horford has been able to take some of the burden off of Embiid’s shoulders. Hopefully, these two things will help preserve him for the playoffs.
The important aspect of this game is that this contest is the first of a back-to-back and this will be the first time this season that Embid is going to play in both games. Despite the Sixers attempts to try to preserve Embiid for the postseason, they are still planning on him playing in both contests. It will be interesting how much head coach Brett Brown plays the center in this first game.
An essential role player for the Spurs and the two biggest stars on the Philadelphia 76ers make up the group of players to watch for in this matchup between the two clubs.