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Sixers-Raptors takeaways: Embiid's turnovers; Drummond out of the rotation

by Keith Pompey
Charles Fox / Staff Photographer

Joel Embiid has a turnover problem. Tyrese Maxey won’t use injuries as an excuse. And Andre Drummond appears to be out of the rotation when Embiid plays. Those things stood out in the Sixers’ 106-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

Charles Fox / Staff Photographer

Embiid’s turnovers

Charles Fox / Staff Photographer

Embiid has always been a turnover-prone player, averaging 3.4 in 450 career games. His giveaways have been a big issue since his 15-game absence with left knee injury management and a sprained left foot.

Embiid lost control of the ball and turned it over with 8.7 seconds left and the Sixers down two against the Raptors. He had four turnovers on Tuesday night after totaling 12 in his previous three games.

Charles Fox / Staff Photographer

No excuses from Maxey

Charles Fox / Staff Photographer

Maxey was held to a season-low five points while making 1 of 9 shots. After the game, coach Nick Nurse hinted that his point guard might be dealing with an injury.

Speaking as if he isn't dealing with anything other than the normal grind of the season, Maxey responded, “I’ll be fine. I’ll be better tomorrow, and then I’ll get some rest. So I’ll be good. I make no excuses. I should have been a lot more aggressive today and helped my teammates out.”

Charles Fox / Staff Photographer

Out of the rotation

Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP

Drummond started the season as the backup center. However, he was third string on Friday after missing eight games with a toe injury. Then he received a DNP (did not play) on Sunday vs. the Milwaukee Bucks and Tuesday against Raptors.

Adem Bona was the backup center in Friday’s road game against the Detroit Pistons. Meanwhile, Guerschon Yabusele was Embiid’s backup vs. the Bucks and Raptors.

Charles Fox / Staff Photographer
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