Two teams with opposite fortunes collide on the East Coast as the Indiana Pacers take on the Philadelphia 76ers. A lot separates both teams this season even though the two of them have great players on their rosters. The Pacers are 8-2 in their last 10, while the Sixers are 7-3 in their last ten ahead of this clash. Injuries to the Sixers’ best players have caused them to slump often as even now they are on a 4-game skid. So the question on every Sixers fan’s mind is, will Joel Embiid be present to save the team from 5 losses in a row?

Let’s find out what the situation is at Philly by taking a look at the injury report they’ve submitted ahead of the Pacers game.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Indiana Pacers Injury Report – will Joel Embiid play against the Pacers?

Sadly, Sixers fans, we have some bad news for you. Former NBA MVP Joel Embiid is OUT for the game against the Pacers as he recuperates from a left knee injury. He has not played since the Sixers’ game versus the Brooklyn Nets, and will now miss his seventh consecutive game for Philly. 

“While the foot sprain has healed, Embiid experienced an increase in swelling in his left knee following (Thursday’s) workout. After consulting with team medical staff and external doctors, Embiid will receive treatment in the coming days to address the swelling,” the franchise further elaborated in a statement.

Needless to say, the offensive load falls on Maxey’s shoulders. The 24-year-old, for his part, has been doing well, given he’s been averaging 30.4 points over the last five outings. Impressive? Absolutely. Consistent? Not quite—and Philly’s four-game losing streak doesn’t exactly help his case.

On the bright side, vets like PG and Kelly Oubre Jr. have had their moments, stepping up when the team needs it most. Meanwhile, young guns, Justin Edwards and Jeff Downtin Jr. have provided solid minutes, showing flashes of promise through this tough stretch. It’s been a team effort. But without their star Cameroonian big, it’s clear that they are struggling to find any rhythm.

The injury list ahead of the Pacers clash doesn’t provide much hope, either. Here is the complete injury report for Philadelphia, excluding Embiid:

• KJ Martin – OUT (left foot; stress reaction)
• Caleb Martin – OUT (right hip; sprain)
• Kyle Lowry – OUT (right hip; sprain)
• Jared McCain – OUT (left knee; meniscus surgery)
• Paul George – QUESTIONABLE (left groin; tightness)
• Guerschon Yabusele – QUESTIONABLE (right knee; swelling)
• Andre Drummond – PROBABLE (left toe; sprain)

The Indiana Pacers have also handed in their injury report ahead of their game against Philadelphia. However, we opine that their injury situation is far better than the one the Sixers are facing. That said, they still have a few players dealing with setbacks. RayJ Dennis, Enrique Freeman, and Quenton Jackson are all listed as questionable while on two-way G-League contracts. Isaiah Jackson is officially out with a right Achilles tear, and James Wiseman is also sidelined with a left Achilles tear.

While they’re missing some depth, the Pacers’ core remains largely intact, which gives them a clear edge heading into this matchup.

Sixers vs Pacers – predicted starting lineups and depth chart

While the Sixers may have a worse injury record than the Pacers heading into their clash, by no means are they to be underestimated. Even without Joel Embiid present. After all, Tyrese Maxey has stepped up massively in the absence of ‘The Process’.

Having said that, here’s how both teams may line up to face each other, along with some of the options they have for rotation:

Sixers depth chart and predicted lineup:

And here’s how the Indiana Pacers may line up against Philly and their options from the bench:

Given the Sixers’ situation, they cannot rely heavily on their bench in this coming fixture. Even so, they have the quality in their team to upset the Pacers. However, as the favorites, the Pacers simply need to stay the course and keep doing what they’ve been doing so far this season. It promises to be a heated clash come Saturday between the two!