The 76ers have had recent discussions about Joel Embiid’s availability in back-to-back games as he continues to nurse injuries to his knee, face, and foot.
As part of his load-management plan, Embiid has not played on consecutive nights this season and has appeared in only 13 games.
“I think there should be some improvement in that as far as guys playing and all that kind of stuff,” coach Nick Nurse said. “… I think we probably would like to be hoping guys are playing, whether it’s a back-to-back or not.”
The Sixers have four remaining back-to-backs out of a league-high five in January. They are 0-4 in the second games of back-to-backs this season. And not having Embiid play in both games has made the task even more difficult.
Their next back-to-back will be against the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks on Jan. 14-15 at the Wells Fargo Center.
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“In that setting, that’s kind of where I am at right now,” Nurse said of wanting players in back-to-backs. “… We want the best we can here, and as quick as we can, when these back-to-backs start coming that we’re going to get guys playing.”
Embiid said during training camp that he no longer expected to play in both games of back-to-backs for the remainder of his career. He later backed off the statement.
The center’s lack of availability hasn’t just been tied to back-to-backs. The seven-time All-Star will miss his second consecutive and 22nd game of the season Wednesday at home against the Washington Wizards with a sprained left foot.
Paul George (left groin tightness), Kyle Lowry (right hip soreness), KJ Martin (left foot stress reaction), and Jared McCain (left knee meniscus surgery) also will be sidelined. Andre Drummond (left toe sprain) is questionable.
Oubre hit with flopping fine
Kelly Oubre Jr. was assessed a flopping fine of $2,000 after a league office review of the Sixers’ loss Monday to the Phoenix Suns. The incident occurred in the first quarter while the Sixers shooting guard was defending Suns guard Devin Booker. Oubre fell backward after making contact with Booker.