The Philadelphia 76ers struggled to defeat the Miami Heat in Jimmy Butler’s return. Joel Embiid and Paul George were out of the game with injuries. After the game, the Sixers injury report status added Kyle Lowry. On the other hand, we might experience the Big Three team’s appearance for the first time this season. So, what’s the team’s outlook with Kyle Lowry out?
Injury Update
The 76ers hope to improve their play against the Memphis Grizzlies. The last time these teams faced each other, Embiid and George weren’t on the court. Tyrese Maxey and Kyle Lowry played the guard positions in the game. Now, Lowry is out with a hip injury, and Tyrese Maxey’s injury status is listed as questionable. Yet, 76ers coach Nick Nurse shared Maxey’s outlook on the team’s roster in an interview.
“He’s on the report as questionable. [Maxey] did everything today. I think he may play, but probably limited minutes,” the Sixers coach’s reply on Maxey’s availability against the Memphis Grizzlies. Coach Nurse also spoke about a possible Kyle Lowry replacement. “I think a couple of things [injury] happen. You know Reggie [Jackson] and Jeff [Dowtin Jr.] are in the mix. I also think you’ll probably see Jared [McCain).”
Lineup Projection
Coach Nurse could consider pairing Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey at the backcourt positions. However, the only downside to this dynamic duo is the lack of size. Maxey and McCain are both 6‘2. The upside of these two on the court is more offensive power and good defense despite their lack of size. Maxey and McCain are currently averaging about a steal per game. Also, these players play a different type of offensive game on the court.
The Philadelphia lineup against the Grizzlies should include Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Caleb Martin. Since Maxey, Embiid, and George will be on minute restrictions, we’ll see more of Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond, and Jeff Dowtin Jr. on the court. Another lineup without McCain could include Oubre Jr. as the rookie’s replacement.
Expectations from the Sixers Team
The 76ers had a meeting after losing their game against the Miami Heat. This meeting was held to hold everyone accountable as the Sixers went 2-11 in 13 games. Joel Embiid got the heat as Maxey called him out for being tardy, which affected the team’s morale.
Nurse expressed in his interview during the team’s training that the team needed to step up their performance. The Sixers Coach focused on the little details, like improving the team’s focus on the court. However, Philadelphia’s next game will determine how well the team has improved. Also, we can gauge how well the Sixers Big Three fit together on the court.
Learning From Previous Grizzlies Match
If the 76ers learn from their mistakes, Guerschon Yabusele shouldn’t play small ball as a backup center. In the team’s last meeting with Memphis, the Grizzlies outhustled the Sixers on the board with Yabusele as the backup center. A better way to use the Frenchman is on the offensive side of the court. During the interview with Nurse, he spoke about Yabusele sharing the floor with Embiid. Thus, the French power forward could share minutes with Caleb Martin to improve the size of the frontcourt.
The 76ers offense throughout this season has been bizarre. Embiid and George are still struggling offensively. Maxey sould start ramping up on the court to get his rhythm. This situation leaves McCain as the only offensive power on the team. The Sixers rookie guard averages 48% from field goal and 40% from downtown. Thus, if Embiid and George don’t find their footing quickly, the Sixers team won’t stand a chance against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Final Thoughts
The Sixers team is still struggling to find its chemistry on the court. That’s why Embiid said during yesterday’s team meeting that sometimes he doesn’t understand what the team is trying to achieve on the court. If the team doesn’t find its flow and loses against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Philadelphia 76ers will become the worst team in the NBA league.
