Amir

Johnson

Johnson hasn’t had the most consistent season, but he’s been playing better as of late and pointed to the calendar as to the reason why. “It’s time to pick it up,” Johnson said. “You know, some games definitely matter in the season, but when you’re getting close to that line, it’s like, OK, we’ve got to win no matter what. And there’s something that clicks on.” While Johnson has been frustrating for fantasy owners, he’s averaging 10.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks over his last five games and is an option in standard fantasy leagues as long as he can keep up this pace.

The Nets are in need of reinforcements up front as DeAndre Jordan and Nic Claxton will not play in Orlando. Johnson would likely be looking at minutes in the teens behind Jarrett Allen in Orlando if he lands a deal with the Nets, so there’s minimal fantasy impact here. Johnson last played for the 76ers in 2018-19, averaging just 10.4 minutes per game for 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds.

The second-round pick will have a chance to make the preseason roster, but probably won’t be around come opening night.

Joel Embiid said that Johnson was checking his phone because his daughter was sick, but that still doesn’t excuse the action. Elton Brand talked with Johnson following the game and sorted everything out. The Sixers continue to have weird things happen to them.

Embiid warmed up with a brace on his knee and we won’t be in suspense much longer since this game tips off at 2pm ET. He was officially listed as doubtful, so it’s at least encouraging that he’s giving it a shot by going through warmups. Sixers coach Brett Brown is still deciding who will start if Embiid sits out. Boban Marjanovic, Greg Monroe and Amir Johnson are all candidates for more minutes.

It’s the frontend of a back-to-back set with zero seeding implications, so of course, Embiid and the 34-year-old Redick will be hitting the sidelines. Jonah Bolden (knee) is being listed as questionable, so if he’s forced to join Embiid on the sidelines, Amir Johnson would likely get the start and there will be more minutes available for Boban Marjanovic and Greg Monroe. Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler will all see an uptick in usage.

Johnson started for the resting Joel Embiid on Tuesday against the Hornets, but was back outside of the rotation with Embiid back here. Embiid will likely sit a couple games before the season ends, but Johnson still isn’t a fantasy option.

Embiid was rested on Tuesday, but he should be back in action tonight, as he’s not even being listed on the injury report. With Embiid back on the floor, Amir Johnson will return to the second unit and the rest of the starters’ usage will take a bit of a hit. Embiid owners can go ahead and get him active.

Starters Tobias Harris, Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler and J.J. Redick carried the load for the Sixers tonight, while journeyman James Ennis came off the bench to score 14 points, his most points since January 19. Embiid should be back for the next one, so Johnson and Ennis should go back to being irrelevant in fantasy. Boban Marjanovic played 11 minutes in Embiid’s stead, but failed to score.

Johnson typically doesn’t do too much as a starter, so he’s really nothing more than a punt play in DFS. Boban Marjanovic and Jonah Bolden will also have the opportunity for some extended run tonight, but these three could all potentially cancel each other out.