With a 12-7 win-loss card, the Philadelphia 76ers have played well to start their campaign. But even that record fails to bring justice to how formidable the team has looked so far, as reigning Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid has missed three games so far inlcuding the last couple of contests which the squad ultimately lost.
The 76ers trotted out a shorthanded lineup in their valiant loss to the Celtics last Friday with Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Nicolas Batum sitting out a highly-anticipated matchup with Boston in addition to Kelly Oubre Jr. still being sidelined due to injury. Despite standout performances from Philly’s other cogs, the hosts proved to be too much down the line and foiled what would have been the the team’s most impressive dub yet. The team’s lack of reliable substitutes for Embiid for long stretches also doesn’t help.
Having failed to qualify for the In-Season Tournament Knockout Round, Philly stood idly for four days, but they will be back in action as they visit the struggling Wizards tonight.
After missing the last two outings, Joel Embiid is expected to play for the 76ers against the Wizards
Embiid is currently not listed on the injury report, so he’s expected to play for Philadelphia in their road game against Washington. The quick four-day pause has given him time to recuperate, though Nick Nurse indicated after their recent practice that he is still working to catch his rhythm back after a relatively lengthy absence while also implying that Tyrese Maxey should also be back in the fold.
"I think that they’re pretty much fine too. I think with Joel obviously out a lot longer, he’s looking to get some rhythm back. But he’s certainly physically looks good now. He’s working pretty hard."
With Embiid reprising his MVP-level production from last season so far to the tune of 32 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game, the 76ers should be overwhelming favorites tonight against the Wizards, owners of the second-worst defensive rating this season in large part due to their porous defense in the paint which allows the second-most points per outing.
Alongside Embiid and Maxey, Philly is also expected to welcome back Batum and Oubre, who missed the last 11 games due to recovery stemming from his unfortunate accident. Meanwhile, De’Anthony Melton will be a game-time decision due to non-COVID illness.