NEW ORLEANS — So much for Joel Embiid’s expected matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The 76ers center was a late scratch from Sunday’s game because of back tightness. This comes one day after Embiid sat out during a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers because he hasn’t been cleared to play on consecutive nights. While they wouldn’t say it publicly, the Sixers thought Embiid would have a better matchup with the Pelicans’ Twin Towers tandem of DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. The Cavaliers play with a small lineup that draws opposing centers away from the basket.
However, Embiid missed both matchups.