The Philadelphia 76ers were finally finding some momentum, but now they face another setback with center Joel Embiid sidelined again.
Embiid suffered a sinus fracture on Friday night, adding to what has already been a challenging season for the 76ers.
Next up for the 76ers is a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night.
Both teams have recorded seven wins this season, with two of Philadelphia’s victories coming against the Hornets.
The 76ers had won four of their last six games and were showing signs of consistency before Friday night’s 121-107 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Embiid played only 17 minutes, contributing 12 points, four rebounds, and five assists before exiting with his injury.
Adding to their woes, the 76ers announced on Saturday that rookie guard Jared McCain sustained a meniscus tear in his left knee during the game against the Pacers and will require surgery. He is out indefinitely.
McCain, 20, has been a bright spot for the 76ers, averaging 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 23 games (eight starts) this season. His scoring average is the highest on the team for players who have appeared in at least 20 games.
The 76ers can ill afford another prolonged slump, having already endured two five-game losing streaks in the season’s first month.
Without Embiid, the Hornets may find opportunities to capitalize inside the lane. Center Mark Williams, who has gradually increased his playing time after missing the start of the season, scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds in 17 minutes during a 109-95 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday.
Charlotte has lost nine of its last 10 games and failed to reach the 100-point mark for the sixth time this season in the defeat to Chicago. Brandon Miller has led the Hornets in scoring in each of the past seven games, attempting 21 or more shots in five of those contests.
The 76ers have experienced some oddities this season. For example, against Indiana, former Hornets guard Kelly Oubre Jr. led Philadelphia with 13 rebounds, marking his third consecutive game with double-digit boards, while no other starter had more than five.
Philadelphia previously defeated the Hornets 107-105 in overtime at home on November 10, and secured a 110-104 victory in Charlotte on December 3, with George scoring 29 points.
The 76ers will face the Hornets again on Friday night in Philadelphia, while Charlotte will play a game in Washington on Thursday night before the rematch.
