Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will miss his second straight game due to right knee soreness, a setback that has left the team reeling in their bid for an NBA Cup Group Play title. The six-foot-ten center's absence is a significant blow, as he had been averaging over 30 points per game for the season.
In related news, rookie guard VJ Edgecombe is listed as questionable with a back spasm, casting a cloud of uncertainty over his availability for Friday night's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. The 20-year-old has been dealing with the issue since Tuesday's win over the Boston Celtics, and coach Nick Nurse described him as day-to-day.
Meanwhile, Paul George remains out for the game due to a left knee injury sustained during an arthroscopic procedure in July. The nine-time All-Star is focused on strengthening his left quadriceps as part of his recovery plan.
A more positive development, however, is that rookie big man Dominick Barlow is set to return from a nine-game absence caused by a right elbow laceration. Nurse revealed that Barlow is "back" after a brief wait for an update, which should provide a much-needed boost to the team's depleted roster.
With these injuries, the Sixers will face a significant test against the Pistons on Friday night, but they can draw comfort from their chances of getting key players back in the mix. Will Embiid and Barlow be able to overcome their respective ailments and lead the team to victory?
In related news, rookie guard VJ Edgecombe is listed as questionable with a back spasm, casting a cloud of uncertainty over his availability for Friday night's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. The 20-year-old has been dealing with the issue since Tuesday's win over the Boston Celtics, and coach Nick Nurse described him as day-to-day.
Meanwhile, Paul George remains out for the game due to a left knee injury sustained during an arthroscopic procedure in July. The nine-time All-Star is focused on strengthening his left quadriceps as part of his recovery plan.
A more positive development, however, is that rookie big man Dominick Barlow is set to return from a nine-game absence caused by a right elbow laceration. Nurse revealed that Barlow is "back" after a brief wait for an update, which should provide a much-needed boost to the team's depleted roster.
With these injuries, the Sixers will face a significant test against the Pistons on Friday night, but they can draw comfort from their chances of getting key players back in the mix. Will Embiid and Barlow be able to overcome their respective ailments and lead the team to victory?