The Philadelphia 76ers have been having a rough go this 2019-20 NBA season. They need all the help they can get, particularly on the offensive end. There is no telling if Philly will be active before the trade deadline on Feb. 6, although a possible Joe Embiid return looms.
According to David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News, the 25-year-old center will be seeing a hand specialist to assess his injury. The Cameroonian has been out of action since Jan. 6 after suffering torn ligaments in his left hand. If all goes well, he could return as early as this week.
Joel Embiid will see a hand specialist tomorrow. Could play tomorrow night, depending on how the exam goes — David Murphy (@ByDavidMurphy) January 27, 2020
For the season, Embiid has put up good numbers. Per Basketball-Reference.com, the 7-footer has averaged 23.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 31 games. Embiid was recently voted as one of the starters for the Eastern Conference All-Stars although it remains questionable if he will be able to play.
Looking at the NBA Eastern Conference standings, the Sixers tote a 30-17 win-loss record and are in 6th place. An Embiid return could help their rocky road this season, although head coach Brett Brown needs more firepower.
Outside shooting has been a big problem for the Sixers, and plenty of potential trade rumors have been mentioned. Among the names linked to Philly include Danilo Gallinari, Joe Harris Alec Burks, Robert Covington, and Reggie Bullock. As of this writing, nothing has come close to happening.
The woes have continued for the Sixers. The latest player to go down with an injury is Josh Richardson. The 26-year-old swingman suffered a left hamstring injury and could be out for about 2 to 3 weeks per NBA.com.
For now, the Sixers are relying heavily on Ben Simmons and Al Horford to carry the load. For Simmons, questions remain on his ability to take shots from the outside. Regardless, he does do damage driving towards the basket and his overlooked efforts on defense.
Horford, on the other hand, has been doing his fair share. The 33-year-old big man has been filling Philly's big hole in the middle. In 43 games this season, five-time NBA All-Star is averaging 12.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. Though these are numbers a tad below his career production, it will have to do for now as the Sixers keep their heads afloat this 2019-20 season.
