Mike

Scott

Scott hasn’t been in the NBA since the 2020-21 season, and he won’t be making his return next year. He’ll play for a French squad after most recently playing in Puerto Rico. He also spent the 2022-23 season in France.

Embiid still hasn’t been able to fully participate in practice for the 76ers, who open their second round series against the Hawks on Sunday. He’s considered to be day-to-day, but it’s difficult to envision a scenario in which he’s cleared to play in Game 1. Dwight Howard becomes a player of greater importance with Embiid sidelined, and there may also be times in which the 76ers turn to Mike Scott as part of a smaller lineup.

Howard got into a heated confrontation with Heat veteran Udonis Haslem on Thursday night. Haslem, appearing in his first game all year, received a double technical and an ejection after he got in Howard’s face and pointed his finger. Howard’s tech was his 16th this season, which triggers an automatic one-game suspension. Mike Scott will likely soak up extra minutes for the Sixers in Friday’s game vs. the Magic.

He’s returning after a one-game absence and fantasy managers should rush to get him back into all active lineups. Mike Scott heads back to the bench as a result, and his DFS-punt appeal evaporates.

Despite going against an All-Star big man in Domantas Sabonis, the 76ers will begin Tuesday’s game with a smaller lineup. Scott fills the void left by MVP candidate Joel Embiid, who has been ruled out due to a non-COVID illness. This also keeps Dwight Howard in his usual backup center role, but he could be in for a big night going up against fellow reserve Goga Bitadze.

Scott was rested on Monday and it’s unclear when he picked up this hip ailment, though he’s battled various minor issues throughout the season. His availability shouldn’t have an impact in most fantasy leagues but those interested should check back after shootaround on Wednesday.

Joel Embiid (shoulder) remains questionable for tonight’s game, and if he’s forced to spend another game on the sidelines, that would essentially ensure Dwight Howard would get the spot-start with Scott unavailable.

Scott was a late addition to the starting unit since Joel Embiid (shoulder soreness) was initially expected to play. His absence allowed Scott to earn his 11th start of the season, though he’s been a fantasy dud in those opportunities with 6.1 points on 31.9% shooting, 2.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists and a handful of defensive stats. He didn’t exactly build on those numbers on Saturday.

Embiid was a late scratch after initially being listed on the active roster 30 minutes prior to tip-off. Mike Scott starts and Dwight Howard gets a surprise boost, to the delight of the handful of people who have them rostered in DFS or deep leagues.

Joel Embiid (shoulder) was a very late scratch for this matinee, opting to sit out after going through pre-game warmups. That gives Scott extra run and he can get hot at a moment’s notice, though there’s no pickup appeal with Embiid simply day-to-day.