“Y’all don’t give up on us yet!!! I believe in this team!!!” Tyrese Maxey’s words rang out on X after another tough loss, his frustration is palpable but tinged with hope. The 76ers were now sitting at 10-2 at the start of the season—and Maxey, ever the optimist, refused to let the weight of those defeats crush the team’s spirit. His message wasn’t just for the fans but also for his teammates. Despite the mounting struggles, Maxey still believes they have something special to offer.

But belief alone couldn’t resolve the 76ers’ challenges, as their injury report remained a significant concern. Joel Embiid, the team’s cornerstone, had managed to play just two games this season—both losses—and now, according to Shams Charania, he’s sidelined once again. Listed as “day-to-day” due to an illness, Embiid’s health issues have only compounded the team’s frustration. From a knee injury against the Warriors on January 30 to his Olympic stint and subsequent struggles to regain form, Embiid’s setbacks have left fans questioning his commitment. Adding to the turmoil was his suspension for shoving columnist Marcus Hayes, leaving the 76ers searching for answers in his absence.

Maxey, however, wasn’t about to let the team’s struggles define them. Even as both he and Embiid sat out, the 76ers faced mounting pressure ahead of their next game—a tough showdown against the Miami Heat. Missing two of their biggest stars meant the rest of the roster had to rise to the occasion. But the challenges didn’t end with Embiid.

Maxey himself had been dealing with injury troubles. The young guard aggravated a lingering hamstring issue during the Sixers’ matchup with the LA Clippers, leaving the court early while clutching his leg in visible discomfort. With both Maxey and Embiid out of action, the 76ers found themselves staring down a daunting stretch, starting with the Heat game.

Yet, Maxey’s message to the team was clear: We’ve got this. Just don’t give up. The 76ers might be depleted, but they weren’t done. Now, the spotlight shifts to see who will step up in Embiid’s absence.

Who will play in Joel Embiid’s place?

“Our medical is first and foremost. Joel is there, the front office, myself, and everybody is weighing in. … We’re just trying to do something a little different and get him there (to the playoffs) this time.”  This is what HC Nick Nurse had said on opening night. However, as the team faces back-to-back losses and now with their big man on the injury report again, here’s their depth chart to check the availability of other players to replace Embiid.

With this, their potential lineup is – PG: Kyle Lowry, SG: Jared McCain, SF: Paul George, PF: Caleb Martin, and C: Andre Drummond. 

With two of their key players sidelined, the 76ers face mounting challenges that will put their depth to the test. As injuries sideline their stars, the supporting cast must rise to the occasion and keep the team’s momentum alive. The season is far from over, and the 76ers must rally together to overcome these setbacks and remain competitive in the fiercely contested Eastern Conference.