Embiid missed Sunday’s loss to the Pistons for injury recovery reasons and he will remain sidelined for Tuesday’s matchup vs. the Celtics, but this time, it is due to knee soreness.
Embiid not being able to play in two straight games is obviously concerning and is poor timing, as the former MVP was finally starting to look like himself again. After starting this season limited and rusty, Embiid has scored at least 20 points in each of his last four and he has logged at least 25 minutes in each of the past three. Overall, Embiid is averaging 19.7 points and 5.2 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game, all of which are career lows for the big man.
With Embiid out Tuesday, Andre Drummond ($5,300) should be in line for a spot start. Adem Bona was the usual replacement starter for Embiid to begin this season, but things changed this past Sunday vs. Detroit, as Drummond started over Bona and Drummond posted a 17-point and 12-rebound double-double (41.5 FPTS). Assuming he is starting again, Drummond will be a compelling DFS target for Tuesday’s five-game slate.
Tyrese Maxey’s ($10,300) incredible start to the season should also continue with Embiid inactive. Maxey leads Philadelphia with a 32.2% usage rate with Embiid off the court this season and Maxey is facing a Boston team that he has exposed for 33.0 points, 10.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game in two matchups this season (63.25 FPTS per game).
The 76ers opened as a 3.5-point favorite over the Celtics on DraftKings Sportsbook, but following the news of Embiid being out, Philadelphia is now a 1.5-point underdog to Boston. With Embiid inactive the last two seasons, the 76ers are a poor 18-49.
