The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face the Houston Rockets without their star center Joel Embiid, who will be sidelined due to a sprained right ankle sustained on December 22. The Sixers have struggled without Embiid, evidenced by their 0-4 record prior to a victory over Orlando. With Embiid out, the team has had to adapt its style of play, a challenge that has seen other players stepping up to fill the void.
Adjusting Without Embiid
In the absence of Embiid, the Sixers have seen significant contributions from various players. Tyrese Maxey recently put up an impressive 22-point performance, while Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton have been consistent contributors during this period. Paul Reed also made his presence felt with a solid double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing ten rebounds, along with three assists.
The 76ers have managed to maintain a strong away record of 9-5 despite their challenges. Offensively, they rank fourth in scoring, ninth in field goal percentage, and sixth in 3-point shooting accuracy. However, their volume from beyond the arc places them 18th in the league for 3-point field goals per game. This balance of efficiency and scoring prowess has been key to their success on the road.
Defensive Prowess
Philadelphia's defensive efforts have not gone unnoticed. They stand fifth in the NBA in points allowed per game, seventh in field goal defense, and fifth in defending the 3-point line. Additionally, their discipline is reflected in their turnovers per game, where they also rank fifth. While their rebounding is middle-of-the-pack at 14th, it hasn't stopped them from being a formidable opponent on the defensive end.
Rockets' Home Court Advantage
On the opposing side, the Houston Rockets boast a strong 12-4 home record, although they've stumbled in their last two games at home. The Rockets' defense has been particularly stingy, ranking second in points allowed per game, third in limiting opponents' field goal percentage, and leading the league in three-point defense. Their rebounding is robust as well, placing them sixth overall.
Offensively, Alperen Sengun has stepped up for the Rockets, scoring 24 points against the Suns, while Jalen Green lit up the scoreboard with 23 points, including six three-pointers. However, the Rockets are not without their own injury woes. Victor Oladipo is still recovering from knee surgery and has yet to make an appearance this season. Dillon Brooks remains out with an oblique injury, and Jabari Smith Jr. will miss the next game due to an ankle injury. Both Brooks and Smith have been valuable players, averaging 13.6 and 13.7 points respectively, with Smith also contributing 8.6 rebounds per game.
Strategic Adjustments
The absence of key players like Embiid and Smith has forced both teams to reassess their strategies. For the 76ers, adapting to Embiid's absence has been crucial. "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. "Playing well enough to give ourselves a chance to win is the main thing without Joel."
For the Rockets, the loss of players like Oladipo and Smith means others must step into larger roles, much like Sengun and Green have done. The ability to adjust and continue performing at a high level despite these setbacks will be critical as both teams look to maintain their playoff aspirations.
Looking Ahead
As the 76ers prepare to take on the Rockets, the matchup promises to be a test of depth and resilience for both squads. With the 76ers finding ways to win without their MVP candidate and the Rockets defending their home court with vigor, fans can expect a competitive clash. The adjustments made by each team in response to their missing stars could very well dictate the pace and outcome of the game.
With the regular season progressing, both the 76ers and Rockets are demonstrating that despite injuries, their rosters have the talent and determination to compete. As they face off, it will be a showcase of strategic adjustments and the ability of supporting players to rise to the occasion in the absence of their leaders.