The Philadelphia 76ers are preparing to face the Houston Rockets without their star center Joel Embiid, who remains sidelined with a sprained right ankle he sustained on December 22. The Sixers have struggled in Embiid's absence, going 0-4 before finally securing a win against the Orlando Magic. As they gear up for the matchup against the Rockets, the team will once again be without the services of Nico Batum, who is missing his fifth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury.
Adjusting Without Embiid
In light of Embiid's absence, other players have stepped up to fill the void. Tyrese Maxey recently put up an impressive performance, scoring 22 points. Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton have also been key contributors, helping the team navigate through this challenging period. Paul Reed has shown promise as well, recording a notable double-double with 15 points, ten rebounds, and three assists in a recent outing.
The Sixers boast a respectable 9-5 record on the road this season. They have proven to be a potent offensive team, ranking fourth in scoring offense across the league. Their shooting accuracy is also noteworthy, placing ninth in overall field goal percentage and sixth in 3-point shooting efficiency. However, when it comes to volume from beyond the arc, they rank 18th in 3-point field goals per game.
Defensive Prowess
Philadelphia's defense has been a cornerstone of their success. They are currently fifth in the league in points allowed per game, showing their capability to restrict opposing teams' scoring. Their defensive efforts extend to shooting defense as well, where they are seventh in field goal defense and fifth in defending the 3-point line. Furthermore, the Sixers are disciplined with the ball, ranking fifth in turnovers per game, which helps them maintain control during games. However, they have room for improvement in rebounding, where they stand at 14th in the league.
Rockets' Home Advantage and Recent Struggles
On the other side of the court, the Houston Rockets have demonstrated strength at home with a 12-4 record, although they've stumbled in their last two home games. Alperen Sengun showcased his scoring abilities with a 24-point game against the Phoenix Suns, while Jalen Green added 23 points, including six three-pointers.
The Rockets have established themselves as a formidable defensive team, ranking second in points allowed per game. They excel in limiting opponents' scoring opportunities, coming in third in opponent's field goal percentage and leading the league in three-point defense. The team is also a force on the boards, holding the sixth spot in rebounding.
Injury Woes for the Rockets
However, the Rockets are not without their own injury concerns. Victor Oladipo is still on the mend from knee surgery and has yet to make an appearance this season. Dillon Brooks is also out with an oblique injury, and Jabari Smith Jr. will miss the next game due to an ankle injury. Brooks and Smith Jr. have been valuable players for the Rockets, averaging 13.6 points with 3.5 rebounds and 13.7 points with 8.6 rebounds per game, respectively.
Adapting to Absences
The adjustments required in the wake of these injuries are significant. Speaking on the team's adaptation to playing without Embiid, Coach Nurse emphasized the need for a different approach. "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," said Nurse. He further stressed the importance of "playing well enough to give ourselves a chance to win" as the main objective during this period.
As both teams grapple with their respective challenges, the upcoming game promises to be a test of depth and adaptability. The Sixers will look to build on their recent victory and continue to find ways to win without their centerpiece, while the Rockets aim to bounce back at home and overcome their injury setbacks. With both teams showcasing strong defensive capabilities, the clash could very well come down to which side manages to execute more effectively on the offensive end in the absence of key players.