The Philadelphia 76ers have struggled to maintain their heads above water within the Japanese Convention these final two months. Earlier than Joel Embiid went down with a meniscus harm, he appeared poised to steer Philly to a different excessive seed and a possible 2nd straight league MVP. The 76ers went simply 16-18 in his absence and at present sit in eighth place, however they’re 2-0 since his return and with a comparatively smooth schedule to wrap up the 12 months, nonetheless have an out of doors shot at getting out of the play-in situation, albeit with some assist. If nothing else, it affords Embiid an opportunity to no less than get just a few video games underneath his belt forward of the playoffs.
The San Antonio Spurs come into tonight’s recreation with an opportunity to start out yet another win streak earlier than the season involves an finish after choosing up one other shut win, this time in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans. With the 76ers on a SEGABABA after a recreation in Memphis final evening, there’s a powerful chance that Embiid might be resting tonight in an effort to handle him after the meniscus harm, whereas Tyrese Maxey can also be coping with hip tightness.
San Antonio Spurs (19-58) at Philadelphia 76ers (42-35)
April 6 2024 | 6:00 PM CT
Watch: BSSW | Pay attention: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Keldon Johnson, foot (everyday), Devin Vassell, foot, (OUT), Dominick Barlow, knee (everyday), Jeremy Sochan, foot (OUT), Charles Bassey, out for the 12 months
76ers Accidents: Joel Embiid, knee (everyday), Tyrese Maxey, hip (everyday), Nic Batum, foot (everyday), Tobias Harris, knee (everyday), Mo Bamba, knee (everyday), Robert Covington, knee (everyday), De’Anthony Melton, again (OUT)
What to look at for
Devonte’ Graham has performed within the final 3 video games for San Antonio, arising particularily large within the win over the Pelicans. Graham led the staff in each subject objective makes an attempt (15) and scoring with 20 factors. 4 of the Spurs’ 9 whole makes from past the arc in that recreation got here from his hand. Graham had performed sparingly this season, however with accidents piling up right here on the finish of the season, followers will seemingly proceed to get a glimpse of the 6’1 guard.
There’s no telling how 76ers head coach will handle Joel Embiid on a SEGABABA. The overall technique in these conditions often is for a participant coming off a severe harm to overlook no less than one recreation of a again to again. Embiid solely made his return 5 days in the past in a win over the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, however he performed almost half-hour in that recreation and adopted it up with 32 minutes down in South Seashore in opposition to the Warmth. With two street video games on their schedule this weekend, it’s protected to imagine that Embiid will seemingly miss one among them.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, like Graham, has additionally discovered his means into the final 3 video games, placing up double digit factors in all of them. He received the beginning within the win over the New Orleans Pelicans and contributed 15 factors in that contest. Mamu performs with a contagious vitality, and the ball appears to maneuver effortlessly when he’s on the court docket for the Spurs.
With an opportunity to get out of the play-in event nonetheless alive, the Spurs in all probability have a greater shot at seeing Tyrese Maxey on Philadelphia’s SEGABABA than Embiid. Maxey missed two video games with a hip harm, however returned in opposition to the Miami Warmth and helped cleared the path in Philly’s 109-105 victory in South Seashore with 37 factors, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists.
For the 76er fan’s perspective, please go to Liberty Ballers.
In the event you’d prefer to, you could observe together with the sport on our Twitter profile (@poundingtherock) or go to our Sport Thread!
