Embiid's Absence Felt by Sixers
The Philadelphia 76ers are bracing for another challenging contest as they face the Houston Rockets without their star center Joel Embiid. The MVP candidate is sidelined with a sprained right ankle sustained on December 22, leaving a significant void in the lineup. Embiid's absence has been palpable; prior to their victory over Orlando, the Sixers had struggled, going 0-4 without him on the floor.
In addition to Embiid, Nico Batum will miss his fifth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. The team has felt the impact of these absences but has seen players step up in response. Tyrese Maxey recently put up an impressive 22 points, and veterans Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton have elevated their contributions to help fill the gap left by their sidelined teammates.
Another player making his presence known is Paul Reed, who notched a double-double with 15 points, ten rebounds, and three assists. The collective effort has helped the Sixers maintain a strong away record of 9-5.
Offensively, Philadelphia remains among the league leaders, ranking fourth in scoring offense. Their efficiency is evident as they hold ninth place in field goal percentage and sixth in three-point shooting accuracy. However, there is room for improvement in volume shooting from beyond the arc, as they currently sit at 18th in three-point field goals per game.
Defensive Prowess
Defensively, the Sixers are a formidable unit, ranking fifth in points allowed per game. They are also seventh in overall field goal defense and an impressive fifth in defending the three-point line. Their ability to take care of the ball is reflected in their fifth-place ranking in turnovers per game, and they are positioned at 14th in rebounding, showing competence on the boards.
Rockets' Strong Home Court Advantage
Turning to the Houston Rockets, their impressive 12-4 home record suggests a tough matchup for any visiting team. Despite recent stumbles with two consecutive home losses, the Rockets have shown resilience throughout the season. Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green have stepped up offensively, scoring 24 and 23 points respectively in their last outing against the Suns, with Green adding six three-pointers to his tally.
On the defensive end, Houston leads the league in several categories. They are second in points allowed per game, third in limiting opponents' field goal percentage, and boast the top spot in three-point defense. Additionally, their prowess on the glass is evident with a sixth-place ranking in rebounding.
However, the Rockets are not without their own injury concerns. Victor Oladipo continues his recovery from knee surgery and has yet to make an appearance this season. Dillon Brooks, averaging 13.6 points and 3.5 rebounds, is out with an oblique injury, and Jabari Smith Jr., contributing 13.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, will also miss the next game due to an ankle injury.
Adjusting Strategies
The injuries have prompted adjustments on both sides. "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," remarked Nurse, likely referring to the adaptation process the Sixers must undergo in Embiid's absence. "Playing well enough to give ourselves a chance to win is the main thing without Joel."
Both teams will need to leverage their depth and strategic adjustments to compensate for their missing pieces. As the 76ers and Rockets prepare to clash, the outcome may hinge on which team better manages the adversity posed by their absent stars.
With the playoffs on the horizon, every game becomes critical, and the Sixers' resilience without Embiid will be tested once again. Meanwhile, the Rockets aim to defend their strong home court and bounce back from their recent losses. It's a game that promises to showcase the depth and adaptability of both squads as they navigate through the challenges of an arduous NBA season.