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NBA MVP contender Joel Embiid is still questionable to play for the Philadelphia 76ers versus the New York Knicks tonight. He has been dealing with a nagging left foot soreness for over a month already. Embiid has largely been able to play through the said injury.
Despite the reported discomfort, he’s been putting over elite numbers during the said stretch. He is averaging 32.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks in just 33.8 minutes.
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For over a month now, the Philadelphia 76ers have been arguably the best team in the NBA. From Dec. 31 last year to Feb. 3, they won 14 out of 17 games, mainly because of Joel Embiid and James Harden.
The 76ers are looking to finish their last six games strong before the league gets a well-deserved break for the NBA All-Star weekend. Four of their remaining opponents, the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers are likely to be playoff bound.
Philly could use Embiid’s presence if he can continue playing through the persistent soreness in his left foot.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant has also been ruled questionable by the Memphis Grizzlies. The newly-named NBA All-Star is on the injury report due to a sore right wrist.
The brash point guard struggled in the Grizzlies’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, a game marred by a brawl between Dillon Brooks and Donovan Mitchell. He still finished with 24 points, though, in a blowout loss to the Cavs the other night.
The NBA’s Most Improved Player last season reportedly joined practice heading into tonight’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors. He will likely be a game-time decision as the Grizzlies check on his status before tip-off.
Tyus Jones could take Morant’s starting point guard spot if the superstar is unavailable.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: Right thigh soreness; Injured since February 2, 2023
Jaren Jackson Jr., who was selected to his first NBA All-Star game, has been upgraded to questionable by the Memphis Grizzlies. He sat out the other night in the Grizzlies’ heated loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Memphis’ defensive lynchpin, however, looked good during practice leading up to tonight's game. He could return to action against the Toronto Raptors depending on how the thigh feels after the morning shootaround.
Jackson Jr. is averaging 16.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and an astounding 3.3 blocks in 35 games this season. Memphis’ defense suffers, as it did versus the Cavaliers, without their interior enforcer. They’ll be hoping he can suit up tonight.
Santi Aldama could keep his spot in the starting five if Jaren Jackson Jr. is unable to play.
De’Aaron Fox: Personal reasons
De’Aaron Fox will miss his second straight game tonight for the Sacramento Kings when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans. He has been unavailable for personal reasons.
Before his absence the other night, Fox hasn’t missed a game for the Kings since Dec. 11. Sacramento struggled in their loss to the Indiana Pacers without their starting point guard, who is putting up NBA All-Star-type numbers.
The Kings have not given a specific date for Fox’s return. Davion Mitchell is expected to get another start in his absence.
