Sixers’ Joel Embiid and James Harden questionable against Warriors
The Sixers listed the trio of Joel Embiid, James Harden and Jalen McDaniels as questionable for their matchup Friday night against the Warriors.
Embiid didnt play in the second half of the Sixers blowout win Wednesday over the Bulls because of right calf tightness. Sixers head coach Doc Rivers told reporters postgame in Chicago that Embiid’s second-half absence was just precaution and he thought the All-Star big man would be ready for Fridays game.
Embiid, who leads the NBA with 33.2 points per game, has played in 31 of the Sixers last 33 contests. The team has managed to go 9-4 without him this season.
Harden (left Achilles soreness) and McDaniels (right hip soreness) were both out Wednesday. If Harden does not play against Golden State, it would be the first time hes missed consecutive games this calendar year.
DeAnthony Melton started in Chicago instead of Harden and posted a team-high 25 points. Hes been valuable in many situations during his first season as a Sixer, playing in 69 of the teams 72 games and averaging 10.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 steals. Melton has made 46.8 percent of his three-point shots over his past eight games, rising to 40.3 percent from long range on the season. Thats one factor behind the Sixers sporting an NBA-best 38.9 three-point percentage. The Warriors sit third at 38.2 percent.
For Golden State, Andrew Wiggins, Andre Iguodala, Gary Payton II and Ryan Rollins are sidelined.
The Warriors are just two games over .500 overall, though theyve gone 29-7 at Chase Center. The Sixers have been brilliant away from Philadelphia after the All-Star break. Theyve won seven straight road games and are the NBAs best road team in terms of winning percentage (65.7).
