Tonight’s showdown between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Dallas Mavericks is going to be a real nail-biter. The 76ers are struggling at the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference with a 19-29 record. Whereas, the Mavericks are fighting to stay relevant with a 26-24 record and 9th spot in the Western Conference. This game will see the Mavs without their former superstar Luka Dončić. However, a question on everyone’s mind is: Will Joel Embiid and Paul George suit up for the 76ers tonight?
Both stars have been absent from Philly’s roster for a while now. Recently, head coach Nick Nurse announced that Joel and Paul participated in the team’s practice sessions held on Monday. However, according to the injury reports, they won’t be suiting up for the 76ers game tonight. It was later reported that Embiid has been moved to day-to-day status. He is questionable for the upcoming matchup, but George remains on the sidelines.
But, there are other injury concerns for the 76ers as well. Their frontcourt injuries include power forward Caleb Martin, who is questionable due to a right hip strain. On the backcourt, Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon are reported to be questionable due to left toe injury and left knee soreness. Point guard Jared McCain is ruled out due to a left knee meniscus surgery.
On the other hand, the Mavericks enter this game with fewer injury concerns. They recently acquired Anthony Davis and Max Christie. AD is ruled out due to his abdominal muscle strain, but Max Christie is reported to be available for this game. The only player who is sidelined is Dwight Powell due to a right hip strain.
How will Joel Embiid’s status shape this game?
The Sixers have been a bit of a rollercoaster this season, especially without their star player, Joel Embiid. His ability to score inside, rebound, and block shots is something the team has sorely missed. His presence could be exactly what the 76ers need to get back on track. Even though Tyrese Maxey has been playing out of his mind, their offense is a bit of a mess without Joel.
Mar 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry (7) shoots over Dallas Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) and forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Maxey has been a bright spot for the team, leading the team with 27.7 points per game. But Philadelphia has struggled with efficiency—ranked 25th in scoring and 20th in shooting from deep. While their defense is slightly better, it only allows 112.7 points per game. In their last 10 games, the 76ers have gone 4-6, averaging 115.9 points per game while giving up 119.6.
On the other hand, the Mavs have a more powerful offense, averaging 115.3 points per game which ranks 11th in the league. However, their defense is less consistent, allowing 113.3 points per game. Kyrie Irving leads the team in scoring with 24.3 points per game. In their last 10 games, the Mavericks have a 4-6 record, averaging 113.9 points per game and allowing 118.4.
It’s tough to say how much the injuries will affect the game. Joel Embiid in the paint for Philly, George creating plays on the wing, and Davis anchoring the defense for the Mavericks. All three could be game-changers. Their absences force both teams to adjust their strategies and rely on other players to step up.
Depth charts for both the teams
Dallas Mavericks Depth Chart
Position
Starter
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
PG
Kyrie Irving
Spencer Dinwiddie
Jaden Hardy
Brandon Williams
Dante Exum
SG
Klay Thompson
Max Christie
Quentin Grimes
Spencer Dinwiddie
Jaden Hardy
SF
P.J. Washington
Dante Exum
Quentin Grimes
Naji Marshall
Klay Thompson
PF
Anthony Davis O
Naji Marshall
P.J. Washington
Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Kessler Edwards
C
Daniel Gafford
Anthony Davis O
Dwight Powell O
P.J. Washington
Kylor Kelley
Philadelphia 76ers Depth Chart
Position
Starter
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
PG
Tyrese Maxey
Kyle Lowry
Reggie Jackson
Jeff Dowtin Jr.
Jared McCain O
SG
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Eric Gordon DD
Kyle Lowry
Paul George O
Jeff Dowtin Jr.
SF
Paul George O
Justin Edwards
Ricky Council IV
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Caleb Martin DD
PF
Caleb Martin DD
Guerschon Yabusele
Justin Edwards
Ricky Council IV
Paul George O
C
Joel Embiid DD
Andre Drummond DD
Guerschon Yabusele
Adem Bona
Pete Nance
So, with all these injuries and the recent trade for the Mavs, this game is a bit of a wild card. However, the question remains: Can Embiid make his return tonight, and be healthy enough to make a difference for the Sixers? And how will the Mavs adjust to life without Doncic? It’s going to be interesting to see how it all plays out.
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