The 76ers should have an easier time in their matchup against the Timberwolves without Rudy Gobert clogging the paint
The Philadelphia 76ers are set to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.
The Sixers are looking to bounce back from their 117-107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. They are currently in the midst of a back-to-back in New Orleans against the Pelicans before heading to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves.
The second half of the back-to-back against the Timberwolves just got easier. Minnesota star center Rudy Gobert will be serving a one-game suspension after committing his seventh flagrant foul of the season.
This is definitely good news for the 76ers, who are looking to pick up momentum. Gobert remains one of the better defensive centers in the NBA, and he would create matchup problems for the 76ers.
However, without Gobert in the paint, the 76ers should have an easier time attacking the rim and getting points they wouldn't otherwise.
Specifically, Joel Embiid, who has continued to play at a high level, particularly over the last month, could be put in a position to deliver a big performance without Minnesota's defensive anchor.
Embiid is set to miss his fourth consecutive game against the Pelicans due to injury. In his last performance before the All-Star break, the star center chipped in 33 points, nine rebounds, and one block on 9-19 shooting against the Phoenix Suns. The hope is he'll be able to suit up against Minnesota.
His presence would be crucial for the 76ers moving forward, as he would give them an advantage inside as a scorer and defensive presence.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the best teams in the Western Conference, with a 35-22 record following their victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Anthony Edwards continues to ascend as one of the league's brightest stars.
Edwards recently scored 40 points against the Mavericks and would certainly have his hands full with the 76ers, who are looking to snap their three-game losing streak.
However, without Gobert, they're expected to be shorthanded with a 76ers team that should establish its presence in the paint early and often.
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Elijah Hamilton is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable.