NBA Injury Report: Joel Embiid questionable, James Harden questionable and more updates on DeMar DeRozan and Damian Lillard (March 24, 2023)
NBA MVP candidate Joel Embiid is questionable tonight for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Golden State Warriors. Embiid is dealing with right calf tightness and might miss tonight’s marquee matchup versus the defending champs.
“The Process” played just 16 minutes in the 76ers’ blowout of the Chicago Bulls last Wednesday. He still finished the game with 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block. Embiid complained of tightness in his right calf, which forced Philly coach Doc Rivers to sideline him.
Joel Embiid and James Harden both listed as questionable against the Warriors tomorrow night. Nobody unexpected on Warriors side of injury report. Same players available as the Dallas game.
Philadelphia will play the first set of back-to-back games tonight and could keep the six-time NBA All-Star from playing one of these games. The 76ers will take on the Phoenix Suns tomorrow night.
The 76ers (49-23) have already clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs. However, they are only three games behind the Milwaukee Bucks (52-20) as the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Joel Embiid has caught up with reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic for this year’s best-player race. He may continue his momentum to give himself a better chance of winning the award after finishing second the past two years.
Meanwhile, Embiid’s teammate, James Harden has also been ruled questionable versus the Warriors. The former NBA MVP is suffering from left Achilles soreness, which sidelined him in the 76ers’ win over the Chicago Bulls last Wednesday.
Harden is averaging 21.4 ppg, an NBA-best 10.8 apg, 6.3 rpg and 1.2 spg. He is hitting 44.1% of his shots, including 38.4% from behind the arc.
James Harden (Achilles) listed questionable for Friday.
“The Beard” looked terrible in the 76ers’ double-overtime loss to the Bulls last Monday, which forced the team to keep him out in the rematch. He was reportedly limited in Philadelphia’s last practice, so he could be out for another game.
DeMar DeRozan: Right quadricep strain; Injured since: March 22, 2023
DeMar DeRozan played just 21 minutes in the Bulls’ embarrassing 116-91 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers last Wednesday. He missed all seven of his field-goal attempts, including three 3-point shots. DeRozan scored four points, courtesy of four trips to the free-throw line.
The NBA All-Star guard is suffering from a right quadricep strain, the same injury that caused him to miss five games between January and February. He has been ruled questionable for tonight’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.
DeMar DeRozan (quad) listed questionable for Friday.
DeRozan’s injury could not have come at a more unfortunate time. The Bulls (34-38) are desperately holding on to the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference. They are, however, just 1.5 games ahead of the Indiana Pacers (33-40).
“Deebo” is averaging 25.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 5.0 apg and 1.1 spg in 66 games. Chicago will face an uphill battle against the Blazers without DeRozan.
Javonte Green or Derrick Jones could take his place in the starting lineup if DeRozan is unavailable.
Damian Lillard: Right calf tightness; Injured since: March 22, 2023
The Portland Trail Blazers have ruled Damian Lillard probable when they host the Chicago Bulls. “Dame Time” is suffering from right calf tightness, which caused his name to be included in the injury report.
Damian Lillard (calf) probable for Friday.
The NBA All-Star guard, however, has reportedly practiced with the team without any issues. He is expected to be available tonight unless there’s a negative development in his calf.