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Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers’ NBA MVP candidate, could sit out yet another game due to a nagging sore left foot. The superstar center has been dealing with the same persistent issue for most of the season.
Embiid sat out in Philly’s 129-127 victory over the Sacramento Kings the other night. He remains questionable for tonight’s encounter with the Brooklyn Nets. “The Process” reportedly didn’t join the team’s practice sessions, which could hurt his availability later.
The Cameroonian is averaging 33.6 points, second-best in the NBA, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 34 games. He’s been the biggest reason why the 76ers have slowly inched their way to the second spot in the Eastern Conference behind the Boston Celtics.
Philly hold a 30-16 win-loss slate and have won 10 of their last 12 games behind Embiid’s often near-unstoppable performances.
If the five-time NBA All-Star misses another game, Montrezl Harrell could retain his spot in Doc Rivers’ starting unit.
Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert, another NBA All-Star center, has also been ruled questionable for the Minnesota Timberwolves game versus the New Orleans Pelicans. He had an impressive outing against the Houston Rockets the other night but apparently felt soreness in his groin after the game.
Gobert previously missed three straight games before the Rockets’ game due to the same issue. The three-time NBA Defensive Player has already missed nine games and could add to that tally tonight.
Despite struggling for most of the season, the Minnesota Timberwolves could certainly use Gobert's season averages of 13.3 PPG and 11.6 RPG. His defense has significantly dropped compared to his previous three All-Star campaigns, but he’s still a defensive presence in the paint.
Naz Reid, Luka Garza, and Nathan Knight could see more minutes as the Timberwolves’ interior anchor as Karl-Anthony Towns is also unavailable.
James Wiseman: Left ankle sprain; Injured since December 28, 2022
James Wiseman has missed the defending NBA champs Golden State Warriors' last 11 games due to a sprained right ankle. He hasn’t found his rhythm this season for the Warriors as he was also relegated to the D-League at one point this season.
Wiseman is averaging just 6.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in only 19 games this season. He didn’t play the entire 2021-22 campaign due to a torn meniscus in his right knee. The former Memphis Tiger reportedly had two surgeries on that troublesome knee.
The No. 2 pick of the 2020 NBA Draft could be eased back into action as the season moves forward. He’s also rumored to be on the trade block for someone who can give Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green immediate help.
Whatever the case may be, Steve Kerr could still use him as he has been upgraded to probable tonight versus the Memphis Grizzlies.
OG Anunoby: Right ankle soreness; Injured since January 21, 2023
OG Anunoby left in the third quarter of the game between the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors last Jan. 21 due to a sore right ankle. He missed Toronto’s 125-116 loss to the New York Knicks the following night.
He remains questionable when the Raptors host the surging Sacramento Kings tonight. Nick Nurse, a few days ago, however, told the media that despite his status, Anunoby will be available.
One of the NBA’s best defenders supposedly told Nurse that he was “94%” ready and will suit up when his number is called.
