How Rockets must attack Sixers with Joel Embiid ruled out

With Joel Embiid ruled out, the Rockets will have a new gameplan against the Sixers.

HOUSTON – Prior to the Houston Rockets start of their long seven-game homestand, Ime Udoka’s squad held a strong home record of 12-2. Winning at the Toyota Center this season has been a key reason for their positive win-loss record. As of late though, it’s felt like the Rockets have been on the road, losing the first two games of the homestand against offensive-heavy teams in the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns. In addition to these losses, they’ve lost two key starters of their own to injury in Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr.

Aside from the day off, Houston’s ill-fated roster faces another powerhouse of a team in the 21-9 Eastern Conference third-seeded Philadelphia 76ers. Winning the MVP last year, Joel Embiid is on another victory lap this season and is playing completely out of his mind. In the month of December alone, Embiid is averaging a scorching 40.2 points with mind-blowing efficiencies of 60.2% from the field and 42.3 from deep.

As scary as this might seem, news broke out Thursday that forward Nicolas Batum and Embiid are officially listed as out for Friday’s matchup. This marks the third straight game Embiid’s been out due to an ankle injury.

Don’t count the Sixers out
While this may appear as a glimmer of hope for the Rockets, it doesn’t necessarily mean the Sixers are vulnerable. Philadelphia has been 1-1 since Embiid’s been sidelined, with a close 119-113 loss against the Miami Heat, and a convincing 112-92 win against a top young team in the Orlando Magic.

Tyrese Maxey is turning into a budding co-star as James Harden’s younger and agile replacement. In 29 games, Maxey averages 25.8 points with 6.6 assists, nearly doubling his assist total dating back to last season. Expect him, along with All-Star veteran Tobias Harris to cover the main scoring on Embiid’s behalf. Like the Bucks and Celtics last year, Philadelphia is right behind them as a Finals contender. Even with Embiid out, this still won’t be easy for Houston.

A win is always nice, but right now it seems unlikely. As mentioned before, the Rockets just lost two of their key starters in Brooks and Jabari with no word of returning anytime soon. Each of them are skilled in perimeter defense. This really swings the pendulum for the Sixers, as Maxey, D’Anthony Melton, and Harris are three-point specialists.

One thing to note: Aside from their overall dominance, the Sixers this season aren’t known for shooting many threes. At just 21st with 33.2 attempts per game, expect Philadelphia to substantially increase this overall amount against Houston’s ailing perimeter defense as of late.