:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70028415/1236014989.0.jpg)
Sunday update: Embiid is starting against the Thunder, as many expected. He’s going to be a fantasy star in this contest, as the Thunder don’t have many great defensive options against the Philly center.
Sunday update: Embiid is officially a game-time decision for Sunday’s contest against the Thunder. Andre Drummond has been officially ruled out, so Embiid’s availability will dictate whether the 76ers will have to adjust their rotation to account for a lack of serviceable big men.
Update: Embiid is once again listed as questionable with a knee injury for Sunday’s contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Andre Drummond is doubtful to play Sunday, leaving Philly potentially thin at the center position if Embiid sits out. This could be the game to give the star big man some rest, so his status is worth monitoring as the game gets closer.
Update: Joel Embiid is officially active for Philadelphia’s primetime contest against the Brooklyn Nets Friday. The big man is pivotal to the 76ers’ hopes of beating the odds-on favorites, so it’s nice to see him power through an injury in what is sure to be a tight matchup. Ben Simmons is still not taking the floor for Philly, so Embiid is the main man here. He’s a strong bet to back in DFS and fantasy lineups Friday.
Philadelphia 76ers C Joel Embiid is being listed as questionable to play in Friday night’s game vs. the Brooklyn Nets due to a knee injury. Embiid was fine in the season opening 117-97 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, scoring 22 points with 6 rebounds in the blowout. This is going to happen often with Embiid throughout the season, however, the Sixers being careful with their top player early on.
The Sixers have a lot going on right now. The last thing they need is Embiid to be hurt and missing games this early in the season. If Embiid is ruled out, the Sixers will be down both of their All-Stars. Ben Simmons’ situation keeps getting worse and worse with the team. Both sides are expected to meet on Friday to discuss Simmons’ status with the team and how to get past all of this. That could result in a trade at some point. It could results in Simmons being able to return to the lineup at some point, but he’s also dealing with a back injury.
Joel Embiid injury: Fantasy basketball impact
If both Embiid and Simmons are out on Friday vs. the Nets, there will be a few players who the Sixers will need to step up. The two that pop up immediately are Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey. The latter started in place of Simmons in the opener and scored 20 points. Harris also had 20 points and would be tasked with carrying the offense with Embiid sidelined.
The biggest benefactor in terms of fantasy and DFS is Andre Drummond. The big man had 6 points and 17 rebounds off the bench in 19 minutes in the opener. The Nets lack size and will struggle to contain Drummond down low on the glass. So if Embiid is out, expect Drumm to be extremely chalky on DraftKings.