Monday night brings a marquee matchup between two of the Eastern Conference's best teams as the Miami Heat visit the Philadelphia 76ers. However, Joel Embiid is a late scratch, leaving the Sixers without their big man due to back soreness on the tail-end of a back-to-back.
Embiid played 37 minutes on Sunday in a loss to the Raptors, posting 21 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists. The Sixers star has actually been listed as questionable for the last few games because of the minor injury, but he's yet to miss time. To be honest, it makes sense for him to sit this one out and get some much-needed rest.
This was already going to be a tough contest for the Sixers, but without Embiid dominating in the frontcourt, it becomes even more of a challenge. DeAndre Jordan will likely get the start at the five, going toe to toe with Bam Adebayo. Embiid is still putting up godly numbers in 2021-22, averaging 29.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. He's currently neck in neck with Nikola Jokic for the MVP award.
The Sixers will need James Harden and Tyrese Maxey to step up heavily against Miami. Harden had a relatively quiet night vs. Toronto, but Maxey went for 19 points. Philly hits the road for a three-game road swing on the West Coast after Monday's showdown.
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