A long list of names between the two teams.
The Golden State Warriors are continuing on their five-game road trip. After a dramatic win on Thursday against the Orlando Magic to kick off the trip, the Dubs head north to take on the Philadelphia 76ers tonight, with hopes of winning a season-best sixth consecutive game. In Philly they find a Sixers team in heartbreaking disarray. The 76ers opened the season as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference, but a historic run of injuries (among other things) has turned the season completely upside-down, and they enter the game with a dismal 20-38 record. It’s a good thing the Eagles won the Super Bowl, because things are pretty bleak in Philly sports for basketball fans. And that’s reflected in the long list of players who are out for this game.
Here’s the full injury report.
Warriors
Out — Jonathan Kuminga (right ankle sprain)
There’s still optimism that Kuminga will return on this road trip, but it won’t be tonight. He will, unfortunately, miss his 26th straight game. But the return is coming soon, and that’s very exciting.
Out — Yuri Collins (G League assignment)
Collins is sticking back in Santa Cruz for some additional development rather than joining the Warriors for the road trip.
Questionable — Jimmy Butler III (right mid-back spasm)
This is something of a revenge game for Butler, who played 55 games for the Sixers back in the 2018-19 season. Hopefully he’s able to suit up, but the Dubs will be heavily favored even if he takes the night off.
76ers
Out — Joel Embiid (left knee injury management)
It’s been a tragic season for Embiid, the 2022-23 NBA MVP. He’s been sidelined by a knee injury for the bulk of the year, appearing in just 19 games. On Friday, it was announced that he was being shut down for the season, but that was just the start of the news … now there are grumblings that the tantalizingly-talented but oft-injured center might have played his final NBA game. Let’s hope that’s not the case, because he’s truly one of the greatest talents in NBA history.
Out — Kyle Lowry (right hip injury management)
The Sixers have nothing left to play for, and Lowry is about to turn 39, so there’s no reason to throw him on the court if he’s not fully healthy.
Out — Jared McCain (left knee meniscus surgery)
In an otherwise depressing and disastrous season, McCain spent the first few months of the season being the lone reason for Sixers fans to smile. The 16th pick in June’s draft looked on pace to win Rookie of the Year, and his infectious energy and charisma, which was on display during games and in viral social media videos, earned him fans from all 30 fanbases. And then, because Philly’s season is truly cursed, McCain suffered a season-ending knee injury in December.
Out — Eric Gordon (right wrist surgery)
The Sixers recently announced that the veteran sharpshooter will be re-evaluated in three months, meaning his season is over, barring the most miraculous turn around in NBA history for Philly.
Available — Paul George (left finger splint)
George was a question mark yesterday, but now is ready to go. The Warriors tried hard to acquire George over the offseason, but now are probably pretty happy that they ended up with Butler instead. George is still immensely talented, but he’s only played 39 games this year, and is having one of the worst seasons of his career.
Enjoy the action, Dub Nation! The game is scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m. PT on ABC.