The fixers are no easier for the Houston Rockets after missing their final 6 trip to face the Eastern Conference leaders, the Philadelphia 76ers, on Wednesday.
After impressing with their new-form roster, injuries to the Houston Rockets have prevented them from progressing to the West’s playoff berth and are now 14th in the conference. The franchise is struggling without star Christian Wood, while Oladipo has played one game in the last four matches.
The Philadelphia 76ers meanwhile have hit a rough patch of form, losing their last 3 outings – all of concern against teams above .500. Without superstar Joel Embiid, the Phillies are weak, although their MVP-caliber center is of far more importance than being fit for the playoffs to coach Doc Rivers.
Houston Rockets Philadelphia 76ers: Injury Update
Houston Rockets
Stephen Silas’ injury continues to wreak havoc as we reach the league’s midway point. With stars Christian Wood and Victor Oladipo sidelined, Silas was also forced to drop both PJ Tucker and Eric Gordon in their matchup with Washington on Monday.
The head coach of the Houston Rockets was confident that both would be day-to-day before this matchup and that could prove necessary if they play to avoid another loss. Center Ray Spalding closed in Washington with an Akilis injury and is out for the future while Dante Exum and Chris Kleiman remain out for long.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers’ injury reports are far more tragic than their opponent’s, although they could have them again without star center Joel Knibbid. Their MVP candidate has been treated with utmost care this season and was rested in a 76ers loss to Utah on Monday.
John Wall with a strong night
🏀 29 attempts
🏀 11th#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/V0N35ip4gC– Houston Rockets (@hostenrockets) 16 February, 2021
At the time of writing, P.J. Tucker, Eric Gordon and Victor Oledipo, are all listed as suspects for playing against the Philadelphia 76ers. With this in mind, Silas could make the same start he played in Washington. John Wall led the team in that fixture with 29 points and 11 assists, while fellow guard, David Nama, impressed with 19 points and 11 boards.
Philadelphia 76ers
Hopefully for fans of the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid will be back on the court to take advantage of Houston Rockets missing star center Christian Wood. Without Embiid in Utah, the offensive burden was left to Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris, who combined for 78 points and 19 rebounds on the night.
It has long been known how much the Philadelphia 76ers struggle without Embiid. However, the franchise is constantly preparing for the postseason, aiming to fit the Cameroonians there in the regular season rather than risk any injury concerns.
Backup center Dwight Howard came off the bench to provide 14 points and 12 boards against the Jazz, yet another player who would help as a franchise to reach the NBA Finals this year.
Houston Rockets Philadelphia 76ers: Predicted to Start 5s
Houston Rockets
Sg – David Nama, PG – John Wall, SF – J-Sean Tate, PF – Danuel House, C – Demarcus cousins.
Philadelphia 76ers
SG – Ben Simmons, PG – Seth Curry, SF – Danny Green, PF – Tobias Harris, C – Joel Embiid
Published 17 February 2021 03:49 AM
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