Houston Rockets Rule Out Key Starter vs. 76ers

Both teams involved in Friday night’s matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets will have noticeable absences.

On the Sixers’ side, a similar trend will continue as the starting five will be down two regulars. Joel Embiid, who suffered an ankle sprain during the Sixers’ win over the Toronto Raptors a week ago, will miss his third game in a row for the Sixers on Friday.

As for the veteran forward Nic Batum, he’ll continue to sit out due to a hamstring strain. With Batum missing Friday’s game, he extends his absence to five in a row.

The shorthanded Sixers will battle it out against a shorthanded Rockets team on Friday. Aside from their G League assignments, the Rockets have already ruled out Jabari Smith Jr. with an ankle sprain. Victor Oladipo is also out as he nurses a left patellar tendon injury.

As far as starters go, first-year Rocket Dillon Brooks will get the night off against Philly. It will be the second-straight absence for the two-way standout, who missed Houston’s December 27 battle against the Phoenix Suns, which resulted in a 16-point loss for the Rockets.

Following a multi-year stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, Brooks has quickly become a fan favorite in Houston this season. Through his first 28 games of action, Brooks has averaged 14 points while knocking down 41 percent of his shots. He also averages four rebounds and one steal per game.

As Brooks deals with a right oblique strain, he’ll miss his second game of the season when the Sixers take on the Rockets.