Timberwolves-76ers game preview: MVP Joel Embiid will not play tonight
Chris Hine's breakdown: The Wolves already have knocked off some elite teams at home this season, in Boston and Denver. Without Embiid, the Sixers are the underdogs.
November 22, 2023 at 7:27PM
vs. Philadelphia 76ers at Target Center, 7 p.m. Wednesday
TV; radio: BSN; iHeartradio app.
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Chris Hine's preview:
Opening bell: The Wolves are 6-0 at home and face another marquee opponent at Target Center in the 76ers, who are off to a great start after offloading James Harden to the Clippers earlier this season. Joel Embiid, last season's NBA MVP who is averaging 31.9 points per game, 11.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists, will sit out tonight because of hip soreness after the Sixers lost to Cleveland in overtime on Tuesday.
Watch him: Tyrese Maxey has stepped up as Philadelphia's clear No. 2 option now that Harden has gone. Maxey has increased his scoring average by 6.5 points to 26.8 per game while improving his true shooting percentage to .614.
Injuries: Jaden McDaniels out because of a sprained right ankle he suffered in Monday's game. Point guard Jordan McLaughlin remains out because of a sprained right MCL. For Philadelphia, Kelly Oubre Jr. will be out because of a broken rib he suffered recently when he was hit by a car. Embiid (left hip) is also sidelined.
Forecast: The 76ers have the second-most efficient offense in the league after trading Harden. Their defense was rated 11th. But the Wolves have knocked off some elite teams at home this season in Boston and Denver. The absence of Embiid helps the Wolves' chances. Expect another good game and good atmosphere in downtown Minneapolis.
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The Wolves cut a 19-point second-half deficit to two, but Naz Reid’s three-point attempt missed at the final horn against the defending NBA champions.
