The Philadelphia 76ers face the Indiana Pacers in an NBA regular-season matchup that could deliver a high level of play, although the 76ers look to take advantage of the Pacersā missing stars. Still, one question continues to circulate among fans: Will Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid be available?
Embiid, who has played only nine games since returning from left knee surgery, is listed as probable for the meeting with the Pacers. The former MVP continues to work his way back into rhythm as he adjusts to his minute-management plan.
Maxey initially shared the same probable designation, but he has since been downgraded to questionable due to illness. According to NBA Underdog, he has now been ruled out, leaving Philadelphia in a difficult position given how essential he has been to their offensive structure.
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse has benefited from having his dynamic guard on the floor throughout the NBA season, which has allowed him to be cautious with Embiidās playing time and overall workload as the big man continues his recovery.
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on.
The difference in consistency between Embiid and Maxey
After the Sixers lost to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, when Embiid shot 4-for-21 from the field, the former NBA MVP noted that the next major step in his knee-management program would be playing twice within a three-day span.
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The Sixers had four days off following that defeat to the Lakers, and after Fridayās game against the Pacers, they will prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday before another four-day break.
Maxey, who leads the NBA in both total minutes and minutes per game, is the only member of the 76ers to appear in every contest this season. He has been listed on the injury report twice, both in late November, but did not miss time on either occasion as he continues to prove his durability.
