76ers Rule Out Joel Embiid and Two Other Big Men Ahead of Sunday Game Against Pacers

Lineup Changes

The Philadelphia 76ers ruled out center Joel Embiid for Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers due to right foot plantar fascia management. Big men Adem Bona and Dominick Barlow are also sidelined, leaving the team with a heavily depleted frontcourt. Bona is dealing with a cervical spine sprain, while Barlow is out with a back issue and has yet to play this season. According to coach Nick Nurse, Barlow is progressing but still has no clear timeline for his return.

Roster Impact

With Embiid, Bona, and Barlow out, Tacko Fall stands as the only active center on the roster. The Sixers hold a 1-1 record without Embiid this season. The team plans to rely on players like James, Jabari Walker, and Dean Wade to share center duties. Meanwhile, LeBron James was left off the injury report after missing Thursday's win over the Toronto Raptors due to sciatica and low back management. Sunday's matchup marks the first game of a back-to-back schedule, as the Sixers travel to face the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.

Context

NBA teams frequently manage player minutes and rest days during busy stretches of the season to prevent long-term injuries. Managing foot issues like plantar fascia soreness is especially common for tall players who put heavy physical strain on their lower joints. Frontcourt depth becomes crucial during such absences, forcing teams to adjust their rotations and use smaller lineups.