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Imago

Frustration continues to pile up for the Philly side. After a 10-3 run in December, the Philadelphia 76ers have fallen into the rabbit hole again. 14 days into the new year, they have a 2-5 record and to make it worse; they take on the lethal OKC Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Co. has had a dream run this season, dismantling anything and everyone in front of them. At the same time, they have had their low moments as well. Notably, losing the NBA Cup Finals. Can Joel Embiid & Co. pull off such a miracle?

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First of all, has Embiid returned to the mix? The Cameroonian big man hasn’t played the last four games, dealing with a foot injury. And the team has lost three games. Unfortunately, he isn’t lacing up for tonight’s game as well, gravely hampering the team’s chance against the Thunder.

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The team has listed Joel Embiid out, citing the same foot injury. Compared to Embiid’s last two seasons, the big man’s number has drastically gone down on all fronts. So, he has become a burden. Anyway, apart from him, the team has several other players, also on the injury report. Here is the list of players:

  • KJ Martin (Foot) – Out
  • Caleb Martin (Groin) – Questionable
  • Kyle Lowry (hip) – Out
  • Andre Drummond (Toe) – Out
  • Jared McCain (Knee) – Out

On the other hand, the OKC Thunder also has a list of players on their injury. But most importantly, it doesn’t affect the team’s consistent run. Just like the team’s offensive leader, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stats. After losing their 15-game winning streak to the Cavs, the Thunder are on track with a 2-game streak.

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Here is the list of players on the injury report:

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  • Nikola Topic (Knee) – Out
  • Chet Holmgren (Hip) -Out
  • Ajay Mitchell (Toe) -Out
  • Adam Flagler (metacarpal fracture) – Out

Joel Embiid & Co. vs Thunder: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart

On Sunday, the NBA world witnessed something special. The Cavaliers, who looked unbeatable throughout this season, stood no chance against the hot Indiana Pacers. So, in this game, anything is possible. Hopefully, we could even see Tyrese Maxey and Paul George fire up tonight and leave the Thunder surprised. Nevertheless, the Thunder is a defense-dominant team and unless the Philly side brings out his top defensive effort, then we are in for a one-sided affair.

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The Philadelphia 76ers

STARTING LINEUPSECOND UNITTHIRD UNIT
PGTyrese MaxeyReggie JacksonJeff Downtin Jr.
SGEric GordonRicky Council IV
SFKelly Oubre Jr.
PFPaul George 
CGuerschon YabuseleAdem Bona

The Oklahoma City Thunder

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STARTING LINEUPSECOND UNITTHIRD UNIT
PGShai Gilgeous-Alexander
SGCason WallaceIsaiah Joe
SFLu DortAlex Caruso
PFJalen WilliamsAaron WigginsKenrich Williams
CIsaiah HartensteinJalin WilliamsBranden Carlson

The OKC Thunder just have to keep doing what they do best. Trust their defensive effort and make their offensive play surrounding Shai. And Guess what? The star would once again make a 30-piece effort even with his eyes closed. Anyway, who do you think will win tonight? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

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Shahul Hameed

3,017 Articles

Shahul Hameed is a Senior NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. Armed with a Master's Degree in journalism from a distinguished institute, his journey into sports writing began during his college days, and since then, Shahul has been captivated not only by the remarkable consistency of Stephen Curry but also by the enduring legacy of LeBron James. He specializes in covering the live basketball action. When games aren’t on, beyond covering trade rumors and match reports, Shahul actively engages with fan bases, ensuring he is attuned to the ever-changing NBA landscape. His dedication to his craft finds an equal match in his admiration for the storytelling and cinematic brilliance of Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, and Wes Anderson.

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Edited by

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Amal Joyce

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