The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face the Houston Rockets without their star center Joel Embiid, who is sidelined with a sprained right ankle sustained on December 22. The Sixers have had a challenging stretch without Embiid, posting a 0-4 record until they recently secured a victory against Orlando. With Embiid out, the team has been leaning on other players to fill the void.
Adjusting Without Embiid
Nico Batum will also be absent for his fifth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury, further testing the depth of the 76ers' roster. Despite these setbacks, Tyrese Maxey stepped up in the recent outing, contributing 22 points. Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton have also been instrumental in compensating for Embiid's absence, with Paul Reed adding a notable performance of 15 points, ten rebounds, and three assists.
On the road, the Sixers have demonstrated resilience, boasting a 9-5 record away from home. Their offensive prowess places them fourth in scoring offense across the league. Additionally, they hold the ninth spot in field goal percentage and rank sixth in 3-point shooting accuracy. However, when it comes to 3-point field goals per game, they find themselves at 18th.
Defensively, the team shines, being fifth in points allowed per game. They also stand seventh in field goal defense and impressive fifth in 3-point defense. The Sixers are disciplined with the ball, ranking fifth in turnovers per game, but they have room for improvement in rebounding where they currently sit at 14th.
Rockets' Home Court Advantage
The Houston Rockets, meanwhile, have built a strong fortress at home with a 12-4 record, although they've experienced a slight hiccup, losing their last two games on their own court. Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green have been bright spots for the Rockets; Sengun recently scored 24 points against the Suns, while Green added 23 points, bolstered by six three-pointers.
Houston's defensive metrics are noteworthy—they are ranked second in points allowed per game, third in opponent's field goal percentage, and lead the league in three-point defense. The Rockets also excel in rebounding, securing the sixth spot in that category.
However, the Rockets are not without their own injury concerns. Victor Oladipo is yet to make an appearance this season as he recovers from knee surgery. Dillon Brooks is sidelined with an oblique injury, and Jabari Smith Jr. will miss the upcoming game due to an ankle injury. Brooks has been averaging 13.6 points and 3.5 rebounds, while Smith contributes 13.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game—stats that underscore the impact of their absences.
Adapting Strategies
In light of the significant gap left by Embiid, the 76ers have been forced to explore different strategies. "I think we certainly got to find another style to play because it's so different when he's there, and the first couple (games) weren't great," said Nurse. "Playing well enough to give ourselves a chance to win is the main thing without Joel."
This adaptive mindset will be crucial as the Sixers aim to maintain their competitive edge and secure their position in the standings. As both teams navigate through their respective challenges, the upcoming game promises to be a test of depth and adaptability for the squads.
As the season progresses, the ability of both the 76ers and Rockets to cope with injuries and continue to develop their rosters will be pivotal in their quest for success. The next few games will be particularly telling, offering a glimpse into the potential of these teams to contend under adversity and showcasing the depth of talent within their ranks.
With the playoffs on the horizon, every game becomes increasingly significant. The Sixers and Rockets are no exception, as they strive to solidify their playoff seeding and overcome the obstacles posed by their injured stars. It will be interesting to see how each team adjusts and which players will rise to the occasion in the absence of their key contributors.