The much-anticipated matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers bigs will have to wait for another day, as Joel Embiid will be forced to sit out due to a back injury.
Joel Embiid won’t play tonight for the Sixers with back tightness – the same thing that has bothered him for days. Given how poorly Philly has played without him this season, it’s a big test tonight against a good Pacers team and big men Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) January 31, 2021
Fans of Embiid and Pacers center Myles Turner were looking forward to this one, especially after Turner gave the Sixers big a warning and perhaps an extra bit of motivation earlier in the week. However, that showdown will have to wait a little longer.
Myles Turner has been playing at a high level, especially defensively this season. He is averaging 14.4 points with 6.9 boards and leads the leagues in blocks, averaging 4.1 swats per contest. He has been a huge part of the success of the Pacers this year and is doing everything he can.
For his part, Joel Embiid has been the early pick for NBA MVP, as the Sixers sit in first in the Eastern Conference. The former Kansas Jayhawk is averaging 28.3 points per game with 11.1 rebounds while shooting 54.4 percent from the field and over 40.4 percent from beyond the arc, something he has improved in recent years.
The Pacers are tied with the Milwaukee Bucks for third in the East going into Sunday's showdown with an 11-8 record. The game should be a bit easier with Embiid sitting out for the Sixers due to a nagging back injury.
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