Timberwolves-76ers: Philadelphia won't have full roster available

Nic Batum is out and two other key players are questionable for the 76ers.

Wednesday's showdown between the 20-5 Timberwolves and the 18-8 76ers will be a heavyweight bout in the home of Rocky Balboa, but Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey might not be surrounded by a full compliment of talent. 

In fact, Nic Batum will be held out of the game with hamstring tightness. That means Tobias Harris, who is obviously no slouch, could enter the starting lineup in Batum's place. 

That's not all Philly is dealing with as Marcus Morris Sr. and Robert Covington were out sick on Tuesday and both are questionable for the 6:10 p.m. CT tipoff. Regardless, without Batum the 76ers may have to play Kelly Oubre Jr. and Furkan Korkmaz bigger minutes. 

But the onus for Minnesota's No. 1 defense will be on slowing down Joel Embiid, who is riding an 11-game streak of at least 30 points and 10 rebounds. In seven games this month Embiid is averaging 40.0 points and 13.6 rebounds

Minnesota's 106.8 defensive rating is the best in the NBA and Philadelphia's 121.4 offensive rating is No. 2 in the league. 

Bill Simmons: If Wolves stay healthy 'they'll get No. 1 seed in the West'

The Timberwolves enter the game fully healthy as neither Anthony Edwards (hip) nor Jaden McDaniels (ankle) are on the injury report for the first time since McDaniels stepped on Karl-Anthony Towns' foot in New York on Nov. 20. 

Minnesota defeated the 76ers in Minneapolis 112-99 earlier this season, though Embiid sat out that game with hip soreness and it was the second night of a back-to-back for Philadelphia. 

Nov 25, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nicolas Batum (40) talks to center Joel Embiid (21) during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center / Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports