The Philadelphia 76ers had a disappointing week of play in three straight home games, as they fell to a 23-12 record, but remained the third seed in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers will be coming off a three-day rest before their next game, and the team will play just two games this upcoming week in an attempt to bounce back from lackluster performances. This two-game stretch is against the Hawks in Atlanta and the Sacramento Kings at home, and Philadelphia needs these games to get its momentum back.
A Disappointing Week and Embiid’s Health Concerns
The 76ers won just one game out of three last week against the Chicago Bulls. In the game last Tuesday, Joel Embiid continued his MVP case with a 30 point, 15 rebound, and 10 assist triple-double outing. This dominating performance was an amazing game for the superstar center, but it was also an outstanding team effort holding the Bulls to less than 100 points and shooting 40% from three.
The Sixers then dropped two straight games at home against the New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. The Knicks game on Friday was a massacre in the favor of New York 128-92. Embiid did his job posting another 30-point game, but besides Tyrese Maxey‘s 27 points and Kelly Oubre‘s 15 on 50% shooting, no one else showed up to play. Even Embiid had six turnovers, and Maxey shot just one for seven (14.3%) from three. Saturday was not much better as Embiid was ruled inactive due to a knee injury, Tobias Harris with an ankle injury, and De’Anthony Melton for his back. Oubre and Maxey had impressive games against the Jazz, but the injuries hurt the squad as they lost 120-109.
While the Sixers have shown glimpses of success without Embiid, they are just 2-6 without the reigning MVP. Philadelphia has shown that they can be dangerous when they have their star center, but his injury history and games missed this year become growing concerns in the City of Love. For his case to become the second-consecutive MVP, along with the team’s overall success, it is good to see the All-Star Break swiftly approaching, so Embiid can get back to 100%.
A Short Week for Philadelphia to Regain Momentum
On Wednesday, January 10, the 76ers will travel to Atlanta to face off against the Hawks. This game provides a chance to snap a two-game losing skid for the Sixers and get their mojo back. Nick Nurse and the team are hopeful to get Embiid back for this game, but he did not practice as of Monday’s session. Whether he is available to help his team or not, the “other guys” will need to pull out a win on Wednesday.
Just two days later, Philadelphia will host the Kings on Friday. Even if he does not play against the Hawks, Embiid should play in this crucial home game. Sacramento is a top-10 team with one of the other All-Star caliber centers in the league in Domantas Sabonis. Maxey will also match up against another Kentucky alum, De’Aaron Fox. These two matchups will be ones to eye up in what should be an exciting match on Friday.
