Phoenix Suns vs Philadelphia 76ers: Injury Update and Line-Up Predictions

Living up to their name, the Phoenix Suns are currently the hottest team in the NBA bubble in Orlando. When they arrived in the Bubble, many people had questioned why they were invited, since they had a very slim chance to qualify for the playoffs. But they have been on a mission so far. Their next opponent is the Philadelphia 76ers, whom they play tonight.

The 76ers squad morale will be at rock-bottom following Ben Simmons’ knee injury. He has left the bubble for surgery and will most likely not return this season. The other All-Star on the team, Joel Embiid, has been confirmed out of the Suns game as well. He suffered a minor ankle injury and will miss the game tonight.

That is not all, as the 76ers will also miss Josh Richardson. He had a big performance last game, scoring 34 points. He will be rested tonight in what will be a well-deserved day off for the 26-year-old.

Expected lineups

With three of their top players missing, the 76ers will field a weaker lineup against the Suns. The only two starters they will have are Tobias Harris and Al Horford. With Embiid out, Horford will most likely move to the center spot. Matisse Thybulle will start at the small forward position and push Harris out to the four.

So the expected lineup for the 76ers would be Shake Milton and Alec Burks as the guards, Matisse Thybulle and Tobias Harris as the forwards and Al Horford as the center.

The Suns have announced no new injuries. So coach Monty Williams will have the full roster that was available yesterday against the Thunder. The only change they might have is to bring DeAndre Ayton back in the starting lineup.

Their expected lineup would be Ricky Rubio and Devin Booker as the guards, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Johnson as the forwards and DeAndre Ayton at the center position.

Can the Phoenix Suns go 7-0?

Rookie Thybulle will be expected to keep Booker in check, but Booker might prove too hot to handle for him. If Ayton can continue his form, Horford might not be able to keep up with him. The 76ers, on the other hand, are already struggling and the loss of Richardson will affect them even more. Considering all of this, the Suns will be expected to topple the 76ers.

The Suns need every win possible for a possible shot at the playoffs, and they are doing everything they can for it. They came in the bubble with everyone doubting them, but they have left their critics red-faced. The Suns need to win their final two games against the 76ers and the Mavericks and hope that the Grizzlies or Trail Blazers lose their games.