It appears the Sixers will have their Big 3 in the lineup for their first game after the trade deadline when they take on the Pistons in Detroit Friday.
The Philadelphia 76ers are fresh off a loss to the Miami Heat and the NBA trade deadline. The somewhat new Sixers team will travel to Detroit to face off against the Pistons and kick off a two-game road trip.
Starting on a positive note, the Sixers are expected to have Joel Embiid available for this game. Paul George is also listed as available as he returns from a left finger tendon strain injury. The key player to watch as we approach tip-off is Guerschon Yabusele, who is questionable due to knee soreness. Andre Drummond is doubtful with a toe injury. Currently, Quentin Grimes is not listed on the injury report and is expected to make his Sixers debut following his trade from the Mavericks. Jared Butler, the other newcomer, is also not on the injury report.
If things continue to hold up, the Sixers will have their Big 3 of Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxey for the first time in over a month.
Like the Sixers, the Pistons also have a lengthy injury report. Cade Cunningham is questionable with an ankle sprain, while Malik Beasley and our old friend Tobias Harris are both listed as probable, with Harris dealing with a calf contusion. Jaden Ivey and Wendell Moore are out.
The Pistons have had a strong season, bouncing back from a rough year. Cunningham has blossomed into an All-Star, averaging 25.6 points, 9.4 assists and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 45.3% from the field and 35.4% from three. He’s been the key player driving their turnaround.
With the trade deadline behind us, the Sixers are running out of time to solidify their play-in and playoff hopes. Currently sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference, they’re just one game behind Chicago for the 10th spot and five-and-a-half games behind the Miami Heat for the final playoff position.
Meanwhile, the Pistons, after a strong start to the season, seem to be cooling off. Every game counts at this stage, and the Pistons could be a factor when potential tie-breakers come into play. The Sixers have the talent to win this one — let’s see if they can get the job done.
Game details
When: Friday, February 6, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia, ESPN
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers