The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face the Houston Rockets without their star center Joel Embiid, who will be sidelined due to a sprained right ankle sustained on December 22. This marks another game where the Sixers will have to adapt and overcome the absence of their leading man, as they've had a rocky road without him, holding a 1-4 record in the games he's missed since the injury.
Adjusting Without Embiid
Despite the setback, the team has shown resilience. In their recent victory against Orlando, Tyrese Maxey stepped up, scoring 22 points and demonstrating his growing value to the squad. Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton have also been pivotal in filling the void left by Embiid, contributing significant efforts on both ends of the floor. Paul Reed made a notable impact in the previous game with an impressive double-double of 15 points, ten rebounds, and three assists, showcasing the depth of the Sixers' roster.
Philadelphia's performance on the road has been commendable this season, boasting a 9-5 away record. Offensively, they rank fourth in scoring and are ninth in field goal percentage, indicating efficient shooting from the team. Their prowess extends beyond the arc, where they are sixth in 3-point shooting accuracy, although their volume places them at 18th for 3-point field goals per game.
Defensively, the Sixers have been stout, ranking fifth in points allowed per game. They are also seventh in field goal defense and fifth in defending the three-point line, illustrating their balanced approach to stopping opponents. Ball security has been a strength as well, with the team placing fifth in turnovers per game. However, there is room for improvement on the boards, where they sit at 14th in rebounding.
Rockets' Home Court Advantage
The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, boast a strong 12-4 home record despite losing their last two games at the Toyota Center. Alperen Sengun recently put on a show against the Suns, dropping 24 points, while Jalen Green lit up the scoreboard with 23 points, including six shots from beyond the arc. The Rockets' defensive statistics are particularly noteworthy; they are second in points allowed per game, third in limiting opponent's field goal percentage, and lead the league in three-point defense. Their rebounding is also among the best, ranked sixth in the NBA.
However, the Rockets are not without their own injury woes. Victor Oladipo is yet to make an appearance this season as he recovers from knee surgery. Dillon Brooks, who has been contributing 13.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, is out with an oblique injury. Additionally, Jabari Smith Jr., averaging 13.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, will miss the next game due to an ankle injury, leaving gaps that the Rockets will need to fill against the formidable Sixers.
Strategic Shifts
Nico Batum's absence due to a hamstring injury adds another layer of complexity for the Sixers. His experience and versatility have been missed over the past five games, and it will be crucial for others to continue to step up in his stead.
In light of these challenges, adjustments are being made. The quote from Nurse hints at the strategic shifts the team is undergoing in Embiid's absence: "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 statement suggests a recognition of the need for flexibility in tactics and playing style when key players are unavailable. The Sixers are working to find new ways to leverage their strengths and mitigate weaknesses, which will be essential as they look to improve their record and maintain a competitive edge in the league.
Looking Ahead
As the Sixers prepare to take on the Rockets, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their respective strengths while managing the challenges posed by injured players. For Philadelphia, the focus will be on maintaining their offensive efficiency and stout defense, while Houston will aim to exploit their home court advantage and solidify their defensive prowess even further.
With both teams facing adversity, the upcoming game promises to be a testament to their depth and ability to adapt. As the season progresses, how well each team can perform under these circumstances may very well shape their journey towards the playoffs.