Miami Heats have one less thing to worry about their Christmas matchup against the 76ers, as MVP Joel Embiid didn’t fly to Miami with the squad, due to his ankle injury.
The Friday night showdown between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors ended with the 76ers emerging victorious. However, the triumph came at a cost, as Joel Embiid sustained an injury in the first quarter itself. Despite the injury, he was able to add 31 points and 10 rebounds to the table in the 121-111 win. The sprained ankle eventually led to Embiid being ruled out in the Christmas game against the Heats.
Embiid’s absence in the upcoming game marks the fourth time he has been sidelined this season for the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite ranking third in the Eastern Conference and fourth overall in the NBA with a 20-8 record as of Monday, the team faces the challenge of playing without Embiid’s formidable presence. Notably, Embiid has delivered outstanding performances in December, boasting an impressive average of 40.2 points and 12.6 rebounds on a remarkable 61% shooting in nine appearances this month. Embiid is scoring a league-high 35 points per game on average this season.
Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers, who is off to an All-Star-caliber start to the season, will now be the center of attention. He is barely outside the top 10 in terms of assists and scoring, averaging 26.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists. Since James Harden left, Maxey has emerged as the team’s second choice, providing Philadelphia with a top guard to go alongside Embiid.
There is a possibility that Jimmy Butler might be unavailable for Monday’s game. Butler, who has been sidelined for Miami’s last two matches due to a calf strain, did not participate in Sunday’s practice.
Despite the setbacks, the Monday night matchup is going to be worth the watch, as the third and fifth ranking teams in the Eastern Conference clash.
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