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Sixers to start Amir Johnson at center for Joel Embiid against Bulls

Johnson is averaging 4.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 15.3 minutes a game this season.

Amir Johnson will get the start at center against the Chicago Bulls.
Amir Johnson will get the start at center against the Chicago Bulls.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer
    by Keith Pompey | Columnist
    Published 

CHICAGO – As expected, the 76ers will start Amir Johnson at center Monday night against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.

He'll get his fifth start of the season because Joel Embiid didn't make the trip. The center will rest, part of what the Sixers term "load management." As a result, he doesn't play on consecutive nights. The Sixers (14-14) will host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday at the Wells Fargo Center.

Embiid is dealing with back tightness and is recovering from left knee surgery in March. He didn't play on consecutive nights last season because of his right foot. Embiid had two foot operations, preventing him from playing in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.

Johnson is averaging 4.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 15.3 minutes this season.

The Bulls (8-20) are riding a five-game winning streak.