Six Sixers were listed as likely in the initial injury report for the team’s clash on Thursday night against the Heat, a significant update from recent games.
Matisse Thybulle, Shake Milton, Tobias Harris and Terrance Ferguson were designated as likely after losing Tuesday’s game due to NBA COVID-19 protocols. Joel Embiid (back tightness) and Ben Simmons (swelling in his left knee) were also listed as likely, as was the case prior to the debut of the Sixers miniseries against Miami. Embiid played 39 minutes and led the Sixers to an overtime victory over the Heat on Tuesday with 45 points and 16 rebounds. Simmons was fouled in the fourth period and had a night below average, with five points, 12 assists and six turns.
The NBA announced on Wednesday that the Wizards-Pistons and Suns-Warriors games scheduled for Friday were postponed, as tracking contact with Washington and Phoenix will prevent teams from having a minimum of eight players available. Since January 6, 16 new players have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the league.
The switch from Nets to James Harden understandably caught the attention of many fans on Wednesday, but the NBA is still in a difficult situation with COVID-19, with many teams without major players or unable to play. The league announced additional health and safety protocols on Tuesday.
Eight Heat players have yet to be listed for health and safety reasons in Wednesday night’s report, including Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic. Meyers Leonard was listed as in doubt due to a sprained left shoulder and Gabe Vincent was probably due to pain in his right knee. If Leonard sits down and Vincent is available, the Heat would again have a minimum of eight players.
Miami still almost managed to defeat the Sixers on Tuesday, with Vincent, Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson combined for 84 points. The great newcomer, Precious Achiuwa, had 17 points and 13 rebounds in his first game, a difficult task against Embiid.