The Philadelphia 76ers might be without both of their frontcourt stars as they prepare to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
Keith Pompey of thePhiladelphia Inquirer reported that Joel Embiid is likely to miss Sunday's contest, with Al Horford also questionable due to knee and hamstring issues:
Joel Embiid is listed as doubtful for the 76ers’ Sunday night game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center.
The Sixers center is dealing with an upper respiratory illness. This news comes after starting power/backup center Al Horford was listed as questionable with left knee soreness and left hamstring tightness. Horford’s status will be determined after his pregame workout.
The Sixers have won nine of their last ten heading into Sunday, and they are currently second in the Eastern Conference. Embiid and Horford have been instrumental in their success.
Embiid is averaging 22.8 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 22 games, while Horford has posted averages of 13.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and better than a steal and a block per game. Horford is also shooting close to 37 percent from beyond the arc on four attempts per game.
The pair also anchor a Sixers defense that is one of the best in the NBA. Philadelphia ranks fifth in defensive rating and third in opponents scoring average, according to Basketball Reference. Embiid in particular has been typically excellent as a rim protector, deterring a number of shots at and around the basket.
Philly will look to continue their momentum against the Nets despite the possible absence of their stars.
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