The Philadelphia 76ers have ruled out star center Joel Embiid for Sunday’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers due to right foot plantar fascia management, leaving the team severely depleted in the frontcourt.
Philadelphia announced the roster update on Saturday, confirming that Embiid will sit out the opening game of a back-to-back set. The franchise also will be missing reserve big men Adem Bona, who is sidelined with a cervical spine sprain, and Dominick Barlow, who continues to manage a back issue.
Coach Nick Nurse addressed reporters regarding Barlow’s recovery status.
“progressing”
Nurse said of Barlow on Saturday, noting that the forward has yet to make his season debut and currently carries no definitive timeline for his return.
The absence of Embiid, Bona, and Barlow leaves the Sixers with a notably thin frontcourt rotation. Two-way player Tacko Fall stands as the only active traditional center currently listed on the roster. To cover the remaining minutes in the middle, the team is expected to rely on James, Jabari Walker, and Dean Wade.
The Sixers currently hold a 1-1 record in games played without Embiid. In those previous contests, James drew the start at center during a loss to the Detroit Pistons, while Bona stepped into the starting lineup for a victory against the Charlotte Hornets.
Frontcourt Roster Status
| Player | Position | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Embiid | Center | Out | Right foot plantar fascia management |
| Adem Bona | Center/Forward | Out | Cervical spine sprain |
| Dominick Barlow | Forward | Out | Back injury |
| Tacko Fall | Center | Active | Available two-way player |
Sunday’s contest against the Pacers marks the front end of a demanding back-to-back schedule for the 76ers. Following the game in Indiana, the team travels to New York to face the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.
Back-to-Back Workload Management
Neither Embiid nor James has appeared in both halves of a back-to-back series throughout the current season.
The Philadelphia 76ers will tip off against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday before traveling to play the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.
