Overview
- Joel Embiid was ruled out with a right oblique strain for a second straight weekend, marking his eighth consecutive absence, as Nick Nurse said the center completed an on-court workout Friday and could have a chance to return on next week’s road trip though no timetable is set.
- Philadelphia’s depth took another hit with Andre Drummond ruled out due to back spasms, while Tyrese Maxey (finger), Paul George (suspension), Kelly Oubre Jr. (elbow) and Johni Broome (knee) remained out and Adem Bona was listed as questionable.
- Brooklyn ruled Michael Porter Jr. out with a right ankle sprain hours before tip-off, joining a lengthy Nets injury list that includes Nic Claxton (rest) and other sidelined contributors.
- The 76ers entered the day 35-31 in ninth place with recent struggles threatening to drag them deeper into Play-In territory, while the Nets arrived at 17-49 with one of the league’s weaker ratings and a development-focused approach.
- With stars unavailable, the Sixers were expected to lean on rookie VJ Edgecombe, recent spark Cam Payne and wing Dalen Terry to generate offense in the 1 p.m. ET game at Xfinity Mobile Arena, televised locally on NBC Sports Philadelphia and YES Network.