Sixers' Joel Embiid, T.J. McConnell to play at Minnesota Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS – Joel Embiid and T.J. McConnell  will play in Tuesday night's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. Robert Covington will sit out the matchup. All three 76ers were game-time decisions.

Due to the small forward's absence, Dario Saric will slide down to the three. Meanwhile,  Richaun Holmes will start at Saric's normal power-forward spot.

Embiid and McConnell participated in the Sixers' morning shootaround. Covington received treatment.

Embiid missed Sunday's loss to the New Orleans with back tightness. McConnell has been sidelined the past two games and three of the last five with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder.

Covington missed Sunday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans with a lower-back contusion. The small forward stuck around after the shootaround to do shooting drills under the supervision of assistant coach Lloyd Pierce.

McConnell also had a solid workout Monday. That led to the team's thinking he would be available to play against the Timberwolves. However, he took a step back at the shootaround because his shoulder was stiff and painful.

The backup point guard tested his shoulder during his pregame warm-up and didn't feel any pain.