As the Philadelphia 76ers go on the road to Brooklyn, two-time All-Star Joel Embiid will likely be unavailable to play.
Embiid is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets because of an upper respiratory illness, per Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Tip off is set for 6 p.m. EST.
In three of the past four games, Embiid has scored at least 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. This season, Embiid has played in 22 games, averaging 22.8 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. He is also averaging a career-low 3.3 turnovers per game.
Though his offensive numbers are down from last season, Embiid still holds great importance on the Sixers. He’s the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, and he ranks seventh in the NBA for rebounds per game.
Joel Embiid – upper respiratory illness – is doubtful for tonight’s game #Sixers
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) December 15, 2019
As one of the best defensive big men in the league, Embiid has the best defensive rating on the Sixers (95.6), per NBA.com. When he is off the floor, the Sixers have a defensive rating of 107.4.
The Sixers could use Embiid for this particular matchup against the Nets. Jarrett Allen is one of the best big men in the league when it comes to rebounding and protecting the rim. Allen is averaging a career-high 10.5 rebounds, and he’s posting 1.3 blocks a game.