Sixers coach reflects on playing without the reigning MVP in the lineup

Leading up to their matchup with the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was questionable due to knee swelling. The reigning MVP ended up sitting out the second of leg of the back-to-back.

As the focal point of what the Sixers do on both ends, playing without him has provided its fair share of struggles. This was apparent during the matchup with the Jazz, especially on the defensive end. Without Embiid anchoring around the rim, Utah was able to consistently get to the rim for easy baskets.

Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre both broke the 20-point mark, but it wasn’t enough to get the Sixers in the win column. Led by a 33-point barrage from Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz were able to walk away with a 120-109 victory.

After the game, Sixers coach Nick Nurse was asked his thoughts on playing without Embiid in the lineup. He also cited the defensive struggles and feels they are still figuring out how to be competitive on both ends on nights he isn’t playing.

“We gave up a ton of layups and a ton of dunks. It’s part of some of the stuff I’ve been talking about pregame. We’re going to have to figure out some better schemes, just initially at the point of attack with maybe it changes personnel-wise with what we’re doing out there,” Nurse said. “But we certainly got to guard the ball better, guard the pick-and-roll better, challenge at the rim better even though you’re undersized or whatever it is you got to figure it out.”

Saturday night marked the eighth missed game of the season for Embiid. In the games he is out, the Sixers have a record of 2-6. The only times they’ve won without him came at the end of December against the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets.

Following this lackluster back-to-back, the Sixers find themselves with an opportunity to rest and recalibrate. They have the next three days off before traveling to Atlanta to take on Trae Young and the Hawks.