The Philadelphia 76ers will be playing without their star player, Joel Embiid, for the third consecutive time in their upcoming game against the Houston Rockets this Friday.
It also has been a while since the Sixers played with Nico Batum. He will remain sidelined for the fifth consecutive game due to a lingering hamstring strain.
Embiid is in the recovery phase from a sprained right ankle sustained during the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors on December 22.
The Sixers struggled initially in Embiid's absence, going 0-4 before securing their first win without the star player on Wednesday.
In a decisive 112-92 victory against Orlando Magic, coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the need for the team to adapt their playing style in Embiid's absence.
Notably, Tyrese Maxey took the lead with 22 points, along with Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton.
Stepping into Embiid's role, Paul Reed also delivered an impressive performance with 15 points, ten rebounds and three assists.
"I think we certainly got to find another style to play because it's so different when he's there, and the first couple (games) weren't great," said Nurse. "Playing well enough to give ourselves a chance to win is the main thing without Joel."
As the Sixers prepare for the clash with the Rockets, they boast a 9-5 record away from home and currently hold the fourth position in the NBA in terms of scoring offense this season.
While the Phillies rank ninth in field goal percentage and sixth in 3-point shooting, their 3-point field goals per game are placed 18th in the league, an increase in the last two games without Embiid.
Defensively, the team is performing well, securing the fifth position in points allowed per game this season. They are seventh in field goal defense and fifth in 3-point defense.
The Sixers exhibit a commendable ability to protect the basketball, ranking fifth in turnovers per game, but they are positioned 14th in the NBA in rebounding.
Rockets aim to bounce back at home
The Rockets, on the other hand, are also eager to maintain their home dominance this season. Currently boasting a 12-4 record at home, the Rockets have been a force to be reckoned with on their home court.
Despite their formidable home performance, the Rockets are coming off two consecutive losses at home, including a 129-113 defeat against the struggling Phoenix Suns last Thursday.
In that game, Alperen Sengun emerged as a standout performer for the Rockets, leading the team with 24 points, while Jalen Green contributed 23 points, showcasing his skill with a season-high six three-point field goals.
Now eager to return to their winning ways at home, the Rockets currently rank second in the NBA in points allowed per game this season. They excel on the defensive end, standing third in the opponent's field goal percentage and first in three-point defense.
The team also demonstrated proficiency in rebounding, securing the sixth position in the league.
However, the Rockets also confront a substantial challenge, with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Victor Oladipo remains out as he continues his recovery from left knee surgery, having yet to make an appearance this season.
Dillon Brooks will also be absent due to an oblique injury, and Jabari Smith Jr. will miss the upcoming contest due to an ankle injury.
Brooks, averaging 13.6 points with 3.5 rebounds, and Smith, contributing 13.7 points with 8.6 rebounds per game, are notable absences that the Rockets will need to navigate in their quest for victory against the 76ers.