Patrick Beverley out, Joel Embiid will play for Sixers Saturday night vs. Charlotte Hornets
The status of Embiid, who recently missed three consecutive games with knee inflammation, will be determined following his pregame warm-up.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Patrick Beverley will miss the 76ers’ game at the Hornets on Saturday night with an illness, while Joel Embiid will play after entering the matchup listed as questionable while managing his knee recovery on the second night of a back-to-back.
The NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player recently missed three consecutive games with knee inflammation, and the Sixers are playing their second of two back-to-back games this week. Coach Nick Nurse said during his pregame availability that Embiid’s knee has been responding “really good” despite the unusual game distribution since returning Monday from the ailment.
Beverley’s absence gives the Sixers a ballhandling void behind starting point guard Tyrese Maxey. De’Anthony Melton, typically another option at this spot, also remains out with an ongoing back issue. Nurse said starting forwards Tobias Harris and Nico Batum, as well as reserve swingman Furkan Korkmaz, could take on some of those duties.
Embiid is coming off scoring 36 points in just three quarters in Friday’s win at the Orlando Magic. He entered Saturday leading the NBA in scoring (35.1 points per game), while also averaging 11.5 rebounds and a career-best 5.9 assists per game.
Beverley is averaging 5.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, and has recently been taking on heavier minutes in Melton’s absence.
Reserve wings Robert Covington (knee inflammation) and Jaden Springer (ankle tendonitis) and reserve center Mo Bamba (knee inflammation) also remain out Saturday. Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball (ankle soreness) and starting center Nick Richards (ankle sprain) will also miss Saturday’s game.