On Thursday, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Oklahoma City Thunder will meet in a basketball game. Joel Embiid’s return to the lineup has raised hopes that the 76ers can once again achieve success.
Joel Embiid ACTIVE, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl OUT for 76ers vs. Thunder game
The Sixers will face a more formidable opponent than usual on Thursday when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have recently shown signs of improvement.
The Philadelphia 76ers were riding high after back-to-back victories, but they hadn’t played any of the league’s best teams. Everything came to a head on Wednesday night. Embiid’s absence diminished the 76ers’ effectiveness.
On Tuesday, Joel Embiid led the 76ers to a 147-116 victory over the Pistons with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. James Harden recorded his 72nd career triple-double with 16 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds.
While his stellar performance came against a team that was retooling and dealing with a number of injuries, it was still encouraging to see Embiid play so well after he missed three games with left foot soreness.
As Tobias Harris put it, “I thought he did great.” when referring to Embiid. “I mean, he’s been out doing his thing, trying to improve his health, but he came out today and was just as dominant as ever. A score of 36 and 11 is, without a doubt, respectable.”
There were no reported injuries by the 76ers.
The Thunder have started 41 different players this season. They suffered a tough loss on the road against the Miami Heat (112-111), and they’ll be eager to get back on track.
Five players scored in double figures, led by Josh Giddey’s 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists and Shai Gilgeous- Alexander’s game-high 26 points. Giddey has accomplished six triple-doubles so far in his young career.
The team has received word that Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (ankle), Aleksej Pokusevski (lower leg), Ousmane Dieng (wrist), and Chet Holmgren (foot) have all been injured.
After missing some time with a right ankle sprain, Robinson-Earl has resumed traveling with the team and is currently listed as day-to-day. Thunder hech coach would not commit to a timetable for Robinson-Earl, but it seems safe to assume that the second-year big man will miss at least another week.
The Thunder have been using a rotation of Mike Muscala, Eugene Omoruyi, Jaylin Williams, and Kenrich Williams at center while Robinson-Earl (foot), Chet Holmgren (foot), and Aleksej Pokusevski (lower leg) are out.
