The Philadelphia 76ers will be facing a significant challenge as they head into their upcoming game against the Houston Rockets without their star center, Joel Embiid. The MVP candidate has been sidelined with a sprained right ankle since December 22, leaving a notable void in the Sixers' lineup. Despite this setback, the team managed to secure a victory in their last outing against Orlando, snapping a four-game losing streak during Embiid's absence.
Adjusting Without Embiid
In light of Embiid's injury, the Sixers have had to adapt their playing style. "I think we certainly got to find another style to play because it's so different when he's there, and the first couple [of games] weren't great," said Coach Nurse. With an impressive 9-5 away record, the Sixers have demonstrated resilience and the ability to compete on the road. They rank fourth in scoring offense, a testament to their dynamic playmaking ability even without Embiid's presence on the court.
Philadelphia's shooting accuracy remains a strong point for the team, holding ninth place in field goal percentage and sixth in 3-point shooting efficiency. However, their 3-point field goals per game stand at 18th in the league, indicating room for improvement from beyond the arc.
Defensively, the Sixers are a force to be reckoned with, currently fifth in points allowed per game. They also boast a seventh-place ranking in field goal defense and an impressive fifth in 3-point defense. Their strategic gameplay has led them to rank fifth in turnovers per game, disrupting their opponents' offensive flow effectively.
Despite these strong defensive statistics, the Sixers sit at 14th in rebounding, an area where Embiid's absence is deeply felt. To compensate, players like Tobias Harris, De'Anthony Melton, and Paul Reed have stepped up their contributions. Reed recently put up an admirable performance with 15 points, ten rebounds, and three assists, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset off the bench.
Rockets' Home Court Advantage
The Houston Rockets, however, are no easy opponent, especially on their home turf where they hold a formidable 12-4 record. Even though they've stumbled in their last two home games, the Rockets maintain second place in points allowed per game, demonstrating their defensive prowess.
Houston's defense against shooting is particularly noteworthy; they are third in the league in limiting opponents' field goal percentage and lead the NBA in three-point defense. The Rockets also excel in rebounding, ranked sixth overall, which could pose a challenge for the Sixers given their middle-of-the-pack rebounding performance.
Notable Performances and Injuries
For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green have recently delivered standout performances. Sengun notched 24 points against the Suns, while Green dazzled with 23 points, including six three-pointers. These efforts will need to be sustained to counteract the absence of key players such as Victor Oladipo, who is yet to make a season appearance due to knee surgery recovery, Dillon Brooks with an oblique injury, and Jabari Smith Jr., who will miss the next game with an ankle injury. Brooks and Smith Jr. have been solid contributors this season, averaging 13.6 points with 3.5 rebounds and 13.7 points with 8.6 rebounds per game, respectively.
On the Sixers' side, Tyrese Maxey has shown he can handle the pressure, scoring 22 points in a recent game and proving to be a reliable scorer in Embiid's absence. Nico Batum, unfortunately, remains out with a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for five games now.
Looking Ahead
As both teams prepare to face off, the Sixers' fourth-ranked scoring offense will test the Rockets' top-tier defense. The outcome of this matchup will likely hinge on which team can best exploit the other's weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths. For Philadelphia, maintaining their defensive intensity and finding scoring opportunities through Harris, Maxey, and Melton will be key. Meanwhile, the Rockets will rely on Sengun, Green, and their collective rebounding effort to gain an edge.
The absence of key players on both sides adds an element of unpredictability to the game, making it a must-watch for fans. As the Sixers look to improve their standing without their leading man, and the Rockets aim to bounce back after recent home losses, the stage is set for an intriguing battle on the hardwood.