The Philadelphia 76ers are entering the week shorthanded as Joel Embiid (knee), Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) and Adem Bona (ankle) are sidelined for their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at 7 p.m. EST. Philadelphia plays twice after tonight and it remains to be seen if the trio returns.
The 76ers’ deficiencies could serve as an opportunity for Justin Edwards, Dominick Barlow and Johni Broome to cement their respective places in the rotation. Each player has experienced an orthodox start to the season and Philadelphia's upcoming slate of games may provide them stability.
Edwards has to keep it up
Justin Edwards reawakened in the 76ers’ win against the Boston Celtics on November 11th after averaging four points in his first nine games. He recorded a team-high 22 points on 8-9 shooting from the field and 5-6 accuracy from three-point range. The 21-year-old hit three consecutive triples to erase Boston’s eight-point lead en route to victory.
Edwards’ precision was relieving as he struggled to find his place in Philadelphia’s offense early on. He maintained his rhythm – delivering 13 points on 3-6 shooting from beyond the arc in the 76ers’ loss to the Detroit Pistons on Friday.
Edwards could step into a larger role as Oubre suffered a left knee sprain against Detroit, which forced him to miss the second half. The team labeled the wing’s injury as an LCL sprain and his timetable is yet to be revealed.
Paul George (knee) is questionable for tonight, so Edwards may not enter the starting lineup. But, he could receive a minute increase in the next few games – allowing him to build on his recent success.
Barlow’s return
Before the 76ers’ matchup against the Pistons, Barlow missed the last nine games with a right elbow laceration. He pitched in 10 points on 4-8 shooting from the field and 2-3 shooting from downtown in his return. The 22-year-old also recorded a team-high two blocks while notching three assists.
Barlow made his presence felt on both ends of the floor – fighting for rebounds, protecting the rim and spotting up from three. His high-energy plays could boost a Philadelphia frontcourt that will be without its two premier centers.
Bona will be sidelined in the 76ers’ next three games with a right ankle sprain; Embiid remains day-to-day because of right knee injury management. The team initially described his injury as right knee soreness – which Embiid missed Philadelphia’s last two games for – before changing it to its current listing.
Get out the Broome
The 76ers recalled Jared McCain from the Delaware Blue Coats on Sunday, but he wasn’t the only one. Philadelphia also brought up Broome – likely due to its frontcourt injuries, which have left it with limited options.
While it’s probable that Barlow, Andre Drummond and Jabari Walker will take the bulk of the center minutes, there could be room for Broome as well. He posted 26 points on 45% shooting from the field, 10 rebounds and four blocks in Delaware’s win against the Greensboro Swarm on Saturday.
Broome’s NBA translation remains questionable, but Philadelphia’s injury misfortune may allow him to provide clarity.