On the second night of a back-to-back, Philadelphia will have their hands full against the Detroit Pistons. How will the 76ers fair without Joel Embiid?
The Philadelphia 76ers earned a 130-120 win last night against the Toronto Raptors, which was much needed, because they will have their hands full with tonight's matchup. The 7-2 Detroit Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham, are coming into this game on a five-game win streak.
The Sixers will be without Joel Embiid, so a front-court that struggled to get consistent offense even with Embiid in the lineup will have to find a way against a tough Pistons defense. Detroit ranks fourth in points allowed, third in rebounds, and second in blocks and opponents field goal percentage.
A more specific matter for the bigs tonight will be Jalen Duren. The fourth-year big out of Memphis is averaging 19.2 points and 11.3 rebounds on the season. Adem Bona, Andre Drummond, and Trendon Watford will need to keep Duren off the glass and affect his touch around the rim.
As for the Sixers' backcourt, the matchups don't get much easier. For Tyrese Maxey, no team has seemingly found the answer to slowing him down this season. As for VJ Edgecombe, his shooting percentages and aggression has taken a fall, and it won't get easier against Ausar Thompson. Not to mention Cunningham, who is no slouch on defense himself and could find himself in the MVP conversation.
Philadelphia took advantage of Orlando's defensive duo of Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane by disrupting the passing lanes and getting out in transition. In transition, the Sixers ranked seventh in points per game, sixth in points per possession, and fifth in field goal percentage. While Embiid's presence would adding a much needed scoring punch and rim protection, Bona and Watford allow this team to get up and down the court with Maxey, Edgecombe, and Jared McCain pushing the pace.
This game could be a good chance for Philadelphia to see how they match up against the current NBA contenders. Similar to their matchup with the Cavaliers, they will be without Embiid, so the film they'll get from this one might not be what they're looking for, but a test nonetheless.
If the Sixers end up facing their fourth loss of the season, it wouldn't be all that surprising or discouraging given the circumstances. It's a very similar situation to their game against the Cavs, but this time they're at home and coming off a win, which is much better momentum to be entering a game with.
Hopefully, they'll be able to use this momentum to advance to 7-3 on the season, and once again be tied for the best record in the Eastern Conference.