The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face the Houston Rockets without their star center Joel Embiid, who remains sidelined due to a sprained right ankle sustained on December 22. The Sixers have struggled in his absence, going 0-4 before securing a victory against Orlando. As they prepare for the upcoming contest, the team's depth is being tested further with Nico Batum also out, missing his fifth consecutive game because of a hamstring injury.
Adjusting Without Embiid
In light of Embiid's absence, other members of the Sixers have stepped up to fill the void. Tyrese Maxey recently put up an impressive performance, scoring 22 points and showcasing his growing potential as a scorer. Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton have also been contributing significantly, providing the necessary support on both ends of the floor.
Paul Reed has made the most of his increased playing time by recording a double-double, scoring 15 points, grabbing ten rebounds, and dishing out three assists in a recent outing. These efforts have helped the Sixers maintain a competitive edge despite the challenges posed by injuries.
Statistically, the Sixers boast a solid away record of 9-5. They rank fourth in the league in scoring offense, demonstrating their ability to put points on the board even without their leading scorer. Their proficiency extends to shooting accuracy, where they stand ninth in field goal percentage and sixth in three-point efficiency. However, when it comes to the volume of three-point shots, they fall to 18th in the league.
Defensively, the Sixers are a formidable presence, ranking fifth in points allowed per game. This defensive prowess is reflected in their seventh-place standing in field goal defense and an impressive fifth in three-point defense. Additionally, their discipline with the ball has them sitting at fifth for fewest turnovers per game, although they are middle-of-the-pack in rebounding at 14th.
Rockets' Home Advantage Challenged
The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, hold a strong 12-4 record at home, though they've stumbled in their last two games at their own arena. Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green have been bright spots for the team, scoring 24 and 23 points respectively in their recent clash against the Suns, with Green hitting six shots from beyond the arc.
Defensively, the Rockets are a force to be reckoned with, ranking second in points allowed per game. They lead the league in three-point defense and are third in limiting opponents' overall field goal percentage. The team also holds its own on the boards, placing sixth in rebounding.
Despite these strengths, the Rockets are not without their injury woes. Victor Oladipo continues his recovery from knee surgery and has yet to make an appearance this season. Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr. are also sidelined with an oblique injury and an ankle injury, respectively. Both players have been key contributors this season, with Brooks averaging 13.6 points and 3.5 rebounds, while Smith adds 13.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
Adapting Strategies
With Embiid's dominance in the paint temporarily absent, the Sixers are compelled to find alternative strategies to remain competitive. "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," admitted Coach Nurse. "Playing well enough to give ourselves a chance to win is the main thing without Joel."
The Sixers' ability to adapt will be crucial as they continue to navigate the season without their MVP candidate. The upcoming matchup against the Rockets will serve as another test of their resilience and capacity to adjust their playstyle effectively.
As both teams deal with significant absences, the game promises to be a battle of depth and adaptability. The Sixers aim to build on their recent success and improve their standing, while the Rockets look to bounce back and protect their home court advantage. With playoff implications on the line, each team will be eager to demonstrate that they can overcome adversity and secure a win.