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Joel Embiid, the NBA’s leading scorer, has been listed as questionable for the fifth straight game when the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Orlando Magic tonight. He has missed only one game during the four previous times he had that designation.
Whether he plays or not will likely be a game-time decision based on how he’s feeling after the morning shoot-around and the pre-game warmups. If he’s unavailable tonight, it’ll be the 13th time he doesn't suit up for the 76ers this season.
The soon-to-be six-time NBA All-Star has been nearly unstoppable when fit. He’s averaging a league-best 33.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocks. Embiid is arguably the most dominating force on both ends of the floor.
“The Process” was questionable heading into the game against the Denver Nuggets last Saturday. He silenced his doubters and those who overlooked him in this year’s NBA All-Star voting by dominating Nikola Jokic.
If he’s sidelined due to a sore left foot, Montrezl Harrell will likely be inserted into the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, Trae Young is likely to play tonight against the Phoenix Suns after sitting out Monday’s game versus the Portland Trail Blazers. “Ice Trae” couldn’t play through a sore right ankle in the Hawks’ 129-125 loss to the Blazers.
The two-time NBA All-Star, though, joined the team’s most recent practice and is expected to be back. Atlanta has been up and down all season, barely getting past .500 since a solid 8-4 start.
The Hawks are now 25-26, which puts them in the midst of a keenly contested battle for the last play-in spots. Having Trae Young in the lineup increases their chances of a win.
Aaron Holiday is expected to return to the bench if Trae Young suits up tonight.
Ben Simmons: Left knee soreness; Injured since January 26, 2023
Ben Simmons will miss his third straight game due to a sore left knee. He injured his knee on Jan. 26 in the Brooklyn Nets’ 130-122 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The oft-ridiculed former Philadelphia 76ers star played 20 minutes without scoring a single point but had seven rebounds, an assist and a steal.
The three-time NBA All-Star will miss his 14th game of the season when the Nets visit the Boston Celtics. Brooklyn has done fairly well without the struggling Simmons, holding a 9-4 record.
The Nets, though, could have used his presence as the roster is injury-riddled. Kevin Durant and TJ Warren have also been ruled out, while Yuta Watanabe is probable.
Seth Curry is expected to remain in the starting unit, while Day’Ron Sharpe could see more minutes without Ben Simmons.
Brooklyn will have a two-day break before facing the Washington Wizards on Feb. 4. The Australian superstar could be available by then.
Rudy Gobert: Right groin soreness; Injured since
Rudy Gobert has been ruled questionable over his last five games due to a sore right groin. He hasn’t missed a single game during that stretch. Gobert has the same status heading into tonight’s matchup with the Golden State Warriors.
The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year still has a very good chance of playing versus the defending champs despite the questionable designation.
Over the last five games, Gobert has been averaging 14.2 points, 13.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.
Naz Reid and Luka Garza are expected to get more minutes if the French basketball star is unavailable.
Guess the Lakers players!
