PHILADELPHIA — After a 122-119 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers at home on Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers boarded a plane and headed out to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
The Timberwolves offer similar challenges to the Cavs: They’re tall, they’re physical, and they have a lot of length. That means Joel Embiid will likely have to play a big role in this one if he plays.
The big fella played 41:02 on Tuesday before fouling out. He had 32 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, but he also had six turnovers and looked slow. That means that there’s a possibility of managing Embiid against the Timberwolves and giving him a break.
“I certainly have to look at that once we get on the plane,” coach Nick Nurse said after the loss. “Obviously, heavy, heavy, heavy minutes for a lot of guys. We’re certainly going to need some of the guys that didn’t start the game, pretty low minutes. We’re certainly going to need to get them some run and some extended run tomorrow and need them.”
Along with the big minutes night from Embiid, Tyrese Maxey played 46:48, Tobias Harris played 42:47 and De’Anthony Melton 41:13. Those are heavy minutes for the main guys.
It will be interesting to see how many minutes Embiid and the others play against Minnesota. Paul Reed, Robert Covington, Danuel House Jr., Jaden Springer and Furkan Korkmaz could play roles on Wednesday.
“This is the kind of game you need those guys to come out,” Nurse added. “Instead of having their little four or five minutes, six minutes stints, they might be into some 9/10/11 minute stints tomorrow so we’re going to need them.”
Embiid has been dealing with some little ailments here and there. He isn’t sure if he will play on Wednesday as he will continue to take the advice from the doctors.
“I’m not sure,” Embiid said. “We’re gonna figure out what happens. Just listen to them. I’ve been beat up a little bit so listen to them and go from there.”
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