The Sixers have increased Jahlil Okafor’s minutes to 24 and are capping Joel Embiid at the same number for the time being. The team will evaluate Embiid’s playing time around Christmas. There is a possibility they could keep him at 24 after that.
“I think as I watch them and we judge their fitness, I think at times going beyond four five-minute segments is not good for them,” Brett Brown said. “I feel like fatigue sets in given the amount of time that they’ve been able to play and practice, etcetera.”
Even with the extra minutes, Brown still does not plan to pair Embiid and Okafor on the court.
Traffic jam
Dario Saric said he doesn't mind Philadelphia traffic. Don't tell that to the Cavaliers.
One of the Cavs' buses encountered traffic en route to the Wells Fargo Center. The delay was because of a motorcade believed to be for Vice President Joe Biden, according to ESPN.com.
Instead of waiting for the road to clear, Kyrie Irving, JR Smith and Iman Shumpert (along with Cavs security) took an Uber to the arena. The ride wasn't any faster.
"We get in the Uber and he takes us all around the city and the bus still beat us back," Smith said after the game.
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Smith didn't think the driver recognized him and his teammates. They arrived late to the arena during media availability and pregame warmups.
Irving shot 3 for 17, Smith went 3 for 7 and Shumpert was 3 for 4.
"I didn’t shoot the ball well, obviously, but I’ll take the win regardless," Smith said. "I’m not going to make excuses six games in."
Bayless still nursing his wrist
Jerryd Bayless has been limited in his basketball activity since injuring a ligament in his left wrist.
Just how limited?
“I’ve been able to shoot,” Bayless said, pausing, “And shoot. That’s pretty much the length of it right now. I can handle [the ball] a little bit.”
Bayless was sidelined during training camp and has yet to play in a game. To this point, he has been going through non-contact individualized workouts with the Sixers' staff. The veteran point guard opted for a non-surgical option and is nearing his two-week re-evaluation date.
“It’s just a process of getting stronger and getting it back where I need it to be to be comfortable to play,” Bayless said prior to the Sixers game Saturday against the Cavs.
The Sixers signed Bayless this offseason and he was projected to be the starting point guard. His style can complement point-forward Ben Simmons, but both have been injured. Simmons suffered a Jones fracture in his right foot during camp.
Bayless also was brought in to add a veteran presence. He plans to begin traveling with the team once he is closer to being cleared. For now he has been focusing on receiving treatment while the Sixers are on the road and staying as engaged as possible during home games and practices.