As the Philadelphia 76ers continue their four-game road trip with a matchup against the Houston Rockets on Friday, they will be short-handed for the third consecutive game.
Joel Embiid, who suffered an ankle sprain in a Dec. 22 win over the Toronto Raptors, will be out. The big fella continues to receive treatment in Philadelphia.
Nic Batum will miss his fifth straight game due to a right hamstring strain he suffered on Dec. 18. Philadelphia has missed his versatility, shooting and ability to throw entry passes into the post for the Sixers.
Sixers Nico Batum (right hamstring strain) and Joel Embiid (right ankle sprain) are OUT tomorrow at Houston, according to sources. Their statuses will be updated again ahead of Chicago. The hope is Batum will return on Saturday vs. the Bulls.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) December 28, 2023
Coach Nick Nurse said Batum is expected back this weekend. Obviously, with Batum out for the Rockets matchup, he will likely return for the contest with the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.
As for Embiid, one has to assume he will likely miss the matchup with the Bulls as well. Philadelphia will return home on Jan. 2 to host those Bulls, which becomes a possible return date for the reigning league MVP.
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