After a tough loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last weekend, the Philadelphia 76ers will look to bounce back when they host the Indiana Pacers on Friday night in what will be the first battle between the two teams on the season.
As has been the case for basically every game for the Sixers this season, Joel Embiid’s availability is in question heading into the contest. Embiid has appeared in just nine games so far this season after undergoing a knee procedure over the offseason. The good news for Sixers fans is that Embiid should be good to go against Indiana.
Joel Embiid ‘probable’ to play against Pacers
Embiid is listed as “probable” for the game against Indiana on the official injury report, and thus should be good to go barring any late setbacks. His final game status will be announced at some point prior to tip time.
On the season, Embiid is averaging 18.3 points, 5.6 rebounds 3.0 assists and 1.3 blocks in 25.1 minutes per performance. His counting stats are down as he continues to reacclimate to on-court action after being limited to just 19 total games last season.
Luckily for Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey has taken the reins as the team's top offensive option. Maxey is having a career year with averages of 31.5 points, 7.2 assists 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. He currently ranks third in the NBA in points per game and ninth in assists.
Heading into the game against Indiana, the Sixers sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 13-10. Meanwhile, the 6-18 Pacers are 14th in the East.