Joel Embiid
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The Philadelphia 76ers were hit with a hefty fine for violating injury reporting rules again with Joel Embiid.
The Philadelphia 76ers will face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday afternoon.
The game tips at 3:00pm Eastern, an unusual start time pushed up due to the snowstorm that has swept across the East Coast over the weekend. The Sixers left town Saturday night immediately after their loss to the New York Knicks, getting ahead of the weather that has caused flight cancellations and travel chaos throughout the region.
Monday’s injury report clarified who will be available for the matinee matchup.
Sixers Injury Report for Monday
Joel Embiid and Paul George are both out for Monday’s game.
Both veterans are sidelined with left knee management. The decision keeps them fresh for Tuesday’s home game against Milwaukee, the second half of a back-to-back.
Embiid’s absence is particularly notable given the stretch he is currently on. The big man has scored at least 30 points in four consecutive games, his best run of the season. He followed up his first triple-double of the year against Houston with a 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists against New York on Saturday.
George’s absence opens up increased opportunity for Kelly Oubre Jr. who has been productive recently.
What Embiid’s Hot Streak Shows
Embiid has looked like his MVP-caliber self over the past week.
After struggling early in the season to ramp up his conditioning and find a rhythm, the center has turned things around dramatically.
His movement has been fluid. His jumper has been smooth. And he has shown no hesitation attacking the rim or using his body to create advantages inside. The four-game stretch of 30-plus-point performances represents the best basketball he has played this season.
Sitting him Monday preserves that momentum heading into Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
NBACentral
Joel Embiid over his last 4 games:
38 PTS – 11 REB – 5 AST 32 PTS – 15 REB – 10 AST 30 PTS – 9 REB – 4 AST 33 PTS – 5 REB – 3 AST
It’s starting to get spooky…👀
(Via @realapp )
Charlotte Brings Its Own Injury Issues
The Hornets will be without two players Monday.
Mason Plumlee remains out. KJ Simpson is also unavailable. Collin Sexton is listed as probable and should play.
Charlotte sits 18-28 and holds the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets have won five of their last ten games and have been improving since Brandon Miller returned to the lineup. The young forward, who often draws comparison to Paul George is averaging 20 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists this season.
The Sixers will also have to watch out for Kon Knueppel, who has been impressive as a rookie. The fourth overall pick is averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, and leads the rookie-of-the-year race.
The Lead
The Hornets are 15-14 with Brandon Miller in the lineup this season.
They are 3-14 without him 😳
Final Word for the Sixers
Philadelphia enters Monday with the sixth-best record in the Eastern Conference.
The Sixers will miss Embiid’s production, especially given his recent dominance. In his absence, Tyrese Maxey will continue to carry the offensive load. The Sixers star is in the midst of a stellar season, averaging career-highs across the board.
He will lead Philadelphia as they have an opportunity to grab a road win before immediately flying to Milwaukee for Tuesday’s back-to-back closer.
The early start time adds another wrinkle to an already unusual Monday, but the Sixers should have enough firepower to handle business in the Queen City.