The Philadelphia 76ers could be without two of their starters when they play the New York Knicks on Friday.
According to the latest NBA Injury Report, Richardson is listed as doubtful to play due to a right hamstring tightness. Meanwhile, Al Horford is sidelined for a scheduled rest.
While Richardson's injury appears concerning, it is likely that the Sixers are just playing it safe. Their match with the Knicks is the first half of a back-to-back, with the second one a meeting with the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.
Both Richardson and Horford have been crucial in the Sixers' 12-6 start to the season, which is good for fifth in the Eastern Conference.
In the 16 games he played in and started, Richardson averaged 16.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steal per game. He is also shooting well, registering a 45.6 percent shooting clip from the field, 38.6 percent from the 3-point line and 80.0 percent from the charity stripe.
Horford, meanwhile, is putting up 14.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.0 steal while shooting 47.2 percent from the field, 32.4 percent from deep and 66.7 percent from the free-thrown line.
The Sixers still have enough talent even if Richardson and Horford sit out on Friday, especially with Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid all playing well in their recent win over the Kings. However, they cannot be too overconfident, as the Knicks gave them a tough time in their first meeting this 2019-20 the season.
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