The meeting of the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers should be a spectacle to watch given the harsh rivalry between fans and the return of Joel Embiid. The Knicks are 4-5 through nine games, while the Sixers are 2-7. The Sixers have struggled massively during the regular season with the absences of Paul George and Joel Embiid. Now that Embiid’s back, the Sixers team should have more depth in their rotation. How will Joel Embiid’s return impact the Sixers team?
Philadelphia 76ers Lineup Projection
The Philadelphia 76ers will face off against the New York Knicks to kick off their first back-to-back games this season. These teams will face off in the NBA Cup group stage tonight. The last time these teams met was during the 2024 NBA Playoffs. During this playoff matchup, the Knicks knocked out the Sixers to advance to the second round.
Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid is set to return tonight. Also, Paul George is ramping up from his previous injury as he plays on a minutes restriction. Regardless, the nine-time All-Star forward is back. Thus, the lineup that Nick Nurse will start in this game will include Kyle Lowry, Paul George, Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Caleb Martin.
Kyle Lowry currently averages eight points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. Paul George averages 14.3 points, 4.8 boards and 5.8 assists in two games. Oubre Jr. has 15.1 points, 4.4 boards, and 1.4 assists. Finally, Caleb Martin currently averages 10.3 points, six rebounds, and three assists per game. Unfortunately, Tyrese Maxey suffered a hamstring injury so he will be out for a couple of weeks.
Embiid’s Outlook With the Sixers
The All-NBA center’s return will turn things around for the Sixers. Now that Embiid is back, Andre Drummond will get minutes as the backup center. However, Nurse spoke about playing Embiid and Drummond on the court at the same time during a pre-game interview on Embiid’s health. Nevertheless, Coach Nurse’s ideal strategy would be to use Drummond as the backup center.
With Andre Drummond as the backup center, what will happen to Guerschon Yabusele? Yabusele has been phenomenal for the Sixers and even played better than Drummond as the team’s backup center. So, will Nurse use Yabusele as a power forward? The best way to use the Frenchman is as a power forward. Yabusele’s offensive performance keeps improving with every game. He currently shooting more than 40% from deep. Yabusele’s strength, physique, and versatility should earn him more minutes on the team’s roster.
Joel Embiid will also be on a minute restriction on the court, just like George. Therefore, the Frenchman still has the chance to prove his worth to the team. Jared McCain is coming off a career-high 26 points. This feat is impressive and enough to convince Coach Nurse to continue giving the rookie more minutes, regardless of Joel Embiid’s return. What’s more impressive about McCain is his improvement as a defender. His defensive effort forced the Charlotte Hornets into a shot clock violation, which impacted the Sixers’ victory. On the other hand, chances are Coach Nurse won’t play the rookie guard enough to make an impact.
Final Thoughts
Embiid’s return is good, as Tyrese Maxey isn’t available. Yet, we shouldn’t expect the All-NBA center to drop 30+ points in his return. Just like he expressed during the 2024 Paris Olympics, he needs time to get into his game. Paul George and Embiid should make this NBA Cup debut competitive and exciting to watch.
What should make Coach Nurse’s playbook stand out is athleticism. The Sixers coach should infuse more athletic players on the court because the New York Knicks play fast and are more athletic. Using old players will not work and allow the team to stop Jalen Brunson. Jeff Dowtin Jr., Jared McCain, Ricky Council IV, and Guerschon Yabusele should be in the rotation to amplify the team’s athleticism.
