The Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers enter Thursday’s Eastern Conference matchup with key absences that could shape the outcome at the Wells Fargo Center.
Philadelphia will be without Joel Embiid, who is listed as out due to right knee injury management and right shin soreness. The former MVP is averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 31.4 minutes across 31 games this season.
His absence shifts the offensive burden further onto Tyrese Maxey, who is posting 28.9 points and 6.8 assists per game while playing 38.6 minutes per night.
Frontcourt depth will also be tested, with Andre Drummond averaging 8.6 rebounds in 19.8 minutes and Dominick Barlow contributing 8.5 points and 5.0 boards in 24.0 minutes per contest.
Philadelphia is also missing Paul George due to league suspension. George is averaging 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 27 starts.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is available while wearing a brace on his left knee. The wing is producing 13.9 points per game and adds defensive versatility on the perimeter.
On the Atlanta side, Jonathan Kuminga remains out with a left knee bone bruise. The forward has not yet suited up for the Hawks since the injury.
Atlanta lists RayJ Dennis and Caleb Houstan as doubtful due to G League assignments, while Nikola Djurisic, who is reportedly getting waived, is out and not with the team.
The Hawks will continue leaning on Jalen Johnson, who is averaging 23.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 35.7 minutes per game. Nickeil Alexander-Walker adds 20.1 points per game and is shooting 37.3% from three on 8.1 attempts per night. Onyeka Okongwu is contributing 16.2 points and 7.7 rebounds, giving Atlanta a scoring option in the paint.
The Hawks enter at 26-30, sitting 10th in the East. The 76ers are 30-24 and sixth in the conference standings.
Atlanta has won both previous meetings this season, including a 142-134 double-overtime victory on November 30 and a 120-117 win on December 14.
Both teams are coming off losses, with the Hawks dropping games to the Hornets and Timberwolves, and the Sixers falling 138-89 to the Knicks on February 11.
