76ers vs. Heat: Philly Lands 2 Key Reinforcements for Christmas

The Philadelphia 76ers will be down two key starters on Monday night when they face the Miami Heat for the first time this season.

On Saturday, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse wasted no time making the call on the starting forward Nic Batum, who has been dealing with a hamstring strain. For the second straight game, Batum will not get the nod to play.

As for the star center Joel Embiid, he’s out with an ankle injury. According to the team’s injury report, Embiid is dealing with a sprain, which occurred during the team’s Friday night matchup against the Toronto Raptors.

When the Sixers held a practice session on Saturday, Embiid was noted as a non-participant. After practice, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse didn’t have an official update on the big man’s playing status for Monday’s outing against Miami.

However, the team confirmed on Sunday that Embiid did not make the trip to Miami and is ruled out for the matchup, leaving the Sixers without two starters against the Heat.

76ers Make Call on Embiid’s Playing Status vs. Heat

On a positive note, the Sixers are expected to get a reinforcement in the starting five. After missing Friday’s game against the Raptors with a thigh contusion, the veteran guard De’Anthony Melton is on pace to play against Miami, as he’s available for the matchup.

In addition to Melton, Patrick Beverley is also available after missing Friday’s game due to ankle soreness. Barring any unexpected setbacks going forward, the Sixers are on pace to have their entire backcourt healthy and intact for Monday’s game.

As for their front-court standouts, Embiid and Batum, their statuses following the Miami matchup are unclear.