76ers' Andre Drummond Unlikely to Play vs. Thunder on Sunday

The Philadelphia 76ers could have some notable absences during Sunday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. As expected, All-Star guard Ben Simmons

Justin Grasso | Oct 24, 2021

76ers' Andre Drummond Unlikely to Play vs. Thunder on Sunday /

The Philadelphia 76ers could have some notable absences during Sunday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. As expected, All-Star guard Ben Simmons will not make it out on the court on Sunday night as he's been ruled out for personal reasons. In addition, Shake Milton will also miss his third-straight game as he deals with a sprained ankle.

Philly's point guard depth has been slim since the preseason, but on Sunday night, their depth at the center position could take a severe hit as well. As expected, Sixers starting center Joel Embiid has been listed as questionable leading up to Sunday night's matchup.

As the big man suffered a minor knee injury during the Sixers' season opener in New Orleans, Embiid has been admittedly sore over the last few days. As the Sixers went into their home opener against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, Embiid was listed as questionable. After going through pregame warmups, Embiid was cleared for action. But his status for Sunday's matchup is up in the air.

Meanwhile, Embiid's backup Andre Drummond is unlikely to play. It's unclear when Drummond suffered a lower-body setback during Friday's matchup, but the big man was listed on the Sixers' Saturday night injury report as doubtful as he deals with an ankle sprain.

If both Drummond and Embiid can't go on Sunday night, the Sixers will have to get creative. When the center depth took a significant hit in past seasons, the Sixers would rely on Ben Simmons to play some minutes at center. However, that won't be an option on Sunday night.

There's a good chance that second-year power forward Paul Reed could get some significant playing time if Drummond is out. And if both Drummond and Embiid can't play on Sunday, the G League MVP will more than likely get the nod to start.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.

Published Oct 24, 2021

JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA