UPDATE #3: Embiid is available to play Wednesday night vs. the Heat after missing Sunday’s game due to illness.
Sixers will have everyone available tonight against Miami.
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) December 18, 2019
With Embiid available, he’ll return to the starting lineup and push Mike Scott back to the bench. He’s good to roll out in season-long and DFS, though it’s not an easy matchup, but should be a close game. Embiid will probably see 30+ minutes and is a good GPP play on DK.
UPDATE #2: Embiid is expected to return to the lineup Wednesday vs. the Heat after going through shootaround Tuesday afternoon.
Joel Embiid returned to practice today and is expected to be available tomorrow
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) December 17, 2019
So with Embiid back in the lineup, the Sixers should have their full starting five for a matchup vs. Miami. It’s a key game in the Eastern Conference playoff race, with the Sixers holding down second place and the Celtics and Heat right on their tail. With Embiid back, Mike Scott will return to the bench and Al Horford will slide back to playing PF.
UPDATE: Embiid has been ruled out tonight vs. the Nets.
Joel Embiid is OUT. https://t.co/yeBvpq8iPY
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 15, 2019
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is dealing with an upper respiratory illness that has him doubtful to play Sunday night vs. the Brooklyn Nets.
Joel Embiid (upper respiratory illness) is DOUBTFUL for tonight’s game. #Sixers #Nets
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 15, 2019
Embiid has been able to stay relatively healthy so far this season, missing just one game in the past 16 games for Philly. But it looks like he’s not going to be able to suit up tonight vs. the Nets, which should open up some value on the main four-game night slate.
Fantasy Basketball Analysis: Philadelphia 76ers C Joel Embiid
If Embiid is sidelined, odds are Mike Scott will start in his place, with Al Horford sliding over to center if he’s able to play (Horford is a game-time decision). If both Embiid and Horford are out, the Sixers front court is very thin. Scott definitely starts and we could see the Sixers go small with Tobias Harris at the 4 and Scott at the 5 with Ben Simmons, Josh Richardson and Furkan Korkmaz rounding out the starting lineup. Matisse Thybulle would be another wing option to consider.
This really helps the Nets’ situation better in my eyes. Brooklyn’s bigs would have an easy time down low. I’d look at guys like Taurean Prince ($5,800) and Jarrett Allen ($6,900) to be strong GPP plays. DeAndre Jordan ($5,200) is also in consideration as a salary saver if both Sixers’ bigs are out.
Also worth noting is the line on DK Sportsbook. The Nets are getting 5.5 points right now and Embiid and Horford may be out. They’d be a strong value bet against the spread and aren’t a bad take on the money line at +180. Expect those odds to change, however.
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