In a notable turnaround for the Philadelphia 76ers, star center Joel Embiid has been upgraded from out to questionable for their upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks. This development raises hopes for the team, which has faced a string of injuries and star absences amid a challenging start to the NBA season. The 76ers managed to secure a victory on Friday, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 115-103 in their latest NBA Cup game, marking a brief respite as they grapple with a long injury list.
During the matchup against the Nets, the 76ers maintained control throughout the game, never trailing. Adem Bona stepped up in response to Andre Drummond’s sprained knee, demonstrating all-around skills. Tyrese Maxey delivered a standout performance, nearing a triple-double while drawing significant defensive attention from Brooklyn. Additionally, Jared McCain shone, scoring a season-high 20 points and setting a career-best with five steals. Despite the Nets’ struggles this season, the victory provided a much-needed boost for the depleted Sixers as they prepare to face the currently fifth-ranked Hawks, who hold a 12-8 record.
The 76ers’ injury report features notable absences, including Embiid managing a right knee injury, Kelly Oubre Jr. with a left knee sprain, and Trendon Watford dealing with a left adductor strain. Drummond’s questionable status is promising for his potential return, while VJ Edgecombe has also been upgraded to questionable ahead of the matchup.
On the other hand, the Hawks have been without Trae Young for the past month due to a knee injury, although he is set to be reevaluated soon. Kristaps Porzingis is also out due to illness, leading to Onyeka Okongwu stepping up as the starting center. Despite not having Porzingis’s elite scoring ability, Okongwu has improved significantly this season, averaging 16.5 points per game while making 41.3% of his three-point attempts. His recent performance includes an impressive game in which he made eight three-pointers against the Utah Jazz.
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The Hawks, who have emerged as a solid force in the Eastern Conference, showcased their depth while playing without their star point guard. Jalen Johnson has assumed a major role, boasting averages of 21.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game while achieving impressive shooting efficiency. He has eclipsed Trae Young’s record for all-time triple-doubles for the Hawks, further solidifying his All-Star candidacy.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has also stepped into a prominent role, averaging 19.3 points per game while maintaining a high shooting percentage. With Maxey and Quentin Grimes tasked with defending him, the 76ers will need strong contributions from their players to compete effectively against the Hawks.
The impending matchup promises to be a challenging one for the 76ers, who hope that with the right chemistry and contributions, especially from players like Maxey and McCain, they can come away with a victory. The game is scheduled for Sunday evening at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, with fans eager to see how the two teams perform despite their respective challenges.
