Adem

Bona

The addition of LeBron James via free agency has opened the door for others to consider Philadelphia as a new home, even though the 76ers have limited roster space. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has agreed to a one-year deal, and there have reportedly been conversations between the team and Love’s agent. However, the 76ers have two backup centers on the roster in Adem Bona and offseason signing Ariel Hukporti. Also, the KCP signing filled Philadelphia’s standard contract slots, meaning someone would have to be moved to make room for Love. In a reserve role, the veteran forward/center is unlikely to be in a position to consistently impact fantasy basketball next season.

The 76ers had until Monday to waive Bona without incurring any financial penalty, but they have reportedly decided to hold on to the former second-round pick. As a result, he’s guaranteed to make a shade under $2.3 million next season. In his second NBA season, Bona averaged 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 17.4 minutes per game. He’ll combine with offseason signing Ariel Hukporti to provide depth behind Joel Embiid, which makes both players non-factors in fantasy basketball.

Ankle and hip injuries kept Embiid out of Wednesday’s Game 2 defeat. While Andre Drummond started, the 76ers were more effective with either Adem Bona or Dominick Barlow at the five, specifically to deal with the two-man game between New York’s Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. If Embiid remains out, expect to see more of Bona and Barlow.

Embiid was given a probable tag on Tuesday with an ankle sprain, but he’s also dealing with right hip soreness, and the two injuries will keep him out for at least one contest. The 76ers got blown out by the Knicks in Game 1 with Embiid on the court, and the team will have an even more daunting task on Wednesday with the star big man on the sideline. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will fill in at center, while Tyrese Maxey and Paul George will have to shoulder the load as scorers.

Less than three weeks removed from undergoing an emergency appendectomy, Embiid is going to give it a go for Sunday’s pivotal Game 4. How much he’ll be able to play remains to be seen, but having the former MVP on the court is huge for the 76ers. Adem Bona heads to the bench, and the other four starters are unchanged.

Initially doubtful, Embiid is trending toward being available for the first time in these playoffs. If he’s able to play, fewer minutes will be available to Adem Bona and Andre Drummond. However, given the injury and the time that Embiid has missed, there should still be rotation minutes available for Bona and Drummond.

As was the case ahead of Game 3 on Friday, Embiid is considered doubtful on the 76ers’ initial injury report. If he can return, Embiid’s return would mean fewer minutes for Adem Bona and Andre Drummond. However, his minutes are likely to be restricted whenever the former MVP is deemed healthy enough to play.

Embiid has missed two weeks since being diagnosed with appendicitis. He was initially deemed doubtful on the injury report, which was a step in the right direction. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will continue to handle the center minutes with Embiid still sidelined.

Embiid being listed as doubtful, rather than the 76ers immediately ruling him out, is a step in the right direction. However, he’s closer to not being available on Friday than being able to play. The 76ers will continue to rely on Adem Bona and Andre Drummond until the former league MVP is healthy enough to play.

No surprise here, as the Sixers were already preparing to be without their superstar center to open up the first-round series against the Celtics. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will continue to hold things down in the frontcourt until Embiid returns.