Joel Embiid
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Joel Embiid is out for the Philadelphia 76ers' game on Tuesday, January 20.
ThePhiladelphia 76ers will face thePhoenix Suns at home on Tuesday, January 20, but they will be without one of their superstars.
Joel Embiid has beenruled out for tonight’s game with right ankle injury management. He had 30 points, nine rebounds and four assists on 58.8% shooting from the field in a 113-104 win over theIndiana Pacers on Monday, January 19.
Embiid is having a strong season, averaging 24.2 points, seven rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 47.7% from the field and 26.1% from three.
Is Joel Embiid Playing Tonight?
Embiid has played in four straight games but will rest on the second night of a back-to-back for the Sixers. The last time the center sat, he missed the first night of a back-to-back against theToronto Raptors on Sunday, January 11.
Philadelphia appears to be staggering the playing time of Embiid andPaul George, who sat for Monday’s game but is questionable for tonight. With Embiid out of the lineup,Andre Drummond will likely start at center.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee injury recovery) is the only other player listed on Philadelphia’s injury report and is available for tonight.
Tyrese Maxey Is Having A Career Season
While Embiid and George dealt with injuries earlier in the season,Tyrese Maxey has put together three incredible months on offense. The guard is having his best season in the NBA, averaging a career-high 30.2 points, 6.7 assists and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 47.5% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. He also leads the NBA with 39.4 minutes per game.
On Monday, Maxey was named a starter for the All-Star Game, the first such nod of his career. This will be his second All-Star appearance (2024).Giannis Antetokounmpo,Jalen Brunson,Cade Cunningham andJaylen Brown are the other starters from the Eastern Conference.
The Sixers are 23-18 and in fifth in a crowded Eastern Conference. If Embiid, George and rookie starVJ Edgecombe can remain healthy and Maxey continues to play like an MVP-candidate, Philadelphia has a chance to return to the postseason, after staying home last year.