Deadspin | Health management for playoffs big concern as T-Wolves visit Rockets Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday. The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments. While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed. However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns. “I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.” The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs. Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss. “Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.” With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs. “Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution. “We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.” -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Health #management #playoffs #big #concern #TWolves #visit #Rockets

Deadspin | Health management for playoffs big concern as T-Wolves visit Rockets
Deadspin | Health management for playoffs big concern as T-Wolves visit Rockets Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday. The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments. While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed. However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns. “I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.” The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs. Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss. “Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.” With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs. “Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution. “We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.” -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Health #management #playoffs #big #concern #TWolves #visit #RocketsApr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday.

The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments.

While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed.

However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns.

“I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said.

“I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.”


The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs.

Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss.

“Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.”

With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs.

“Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution.

“We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.”

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Health #management #playoffs #big #concern #TWolves #visit #Rockets

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Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday.

The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments.

While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed.

However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns.

“I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said.

“I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.”

The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs.

Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss.

“Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.”

With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs.

“Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution.

“We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.”

-Field Level Media

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Second-half goals from Dejan Drazic, Pol Moreno and Brison Fernandes helped FC Goa secure a 3-1 victory over Odisha FC, which found a late consolation through Suhair VP, in their Indian Super League 2025-26 match at the PJN Stadium in Margao, on Friday.

The Gaurs returned to winning ways after a run of draws and a defeat, climbing to fifth in the standings with 13 points, while OFC slipped to 12th with five points.

The opening half was a measured contest, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Rahul KP was the most lively presence for the Juggernauts, testing the Goa defence with two early efforts, while the host found itself caught offside on multiple occasions as it attempted to build attacks.

Odisha continued to threaten from a distance, with Rahul forcing a save from debutant goalkeeper Bob Jackson, who showed composure between the posts. At the other end, Udanta Singh came close after a sharp run into the box, but Amrinder Singh stood firm to deny the winger at the near post.

Set pieces proved to be a potential avenue for both sides, with Moreno heading straight at the goalkeeper and Subham Bhattacharya missing narrowly, but neither side was able to break the deadlock as the first half ended goalless.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The tempo increased after the restart, with Odisha coming close to taking the lead around the hour mark. Rahim Ali’s intelligent run created space for Isak Vanlalruatfela, but the forward’s effort was well saved by Bob, who produced a crucial intervention to keep the scores level.

FCG responded almost immediately and broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-worked move. Ayush Chhetri delivered a precise ball over the top of the Odisha defence to find Drazic inside the box. A sliding challenge from Carlos Delgado deflected the ball back into Drazic’s path, and the forward showed quick reactions to calmly slot the ball past Amrinder and give the host a 1-0 lead.

The host doubled its advantage in the 81st minute through a set piece. Moreno stepped up to take a free kick from distance and struck a low effort through the wall, the ball taking a couple of bounces before nestling into the bottom-left corner, making it 2-0.

FCG sealed the result in stoppage time after Rabeeh was fouled inside the penalty area. Brison stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, placing his shot into the left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.

Odisha managed to pull one back moments later when Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Suhair, who finished from close range to make it 3-1. But it was too late as the home side walked away with all three points.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Secondhalf #goals #Goa #beat #Odisha">ISL 2025-26: Second-half goals help FC Goa beat Odisha 3-1 Second-half goals from Dejan Drazic, Pol Moreno and Brison Fernandes helped FC Goa secure a 3-1 victory over Odisha FC, which found a late consolation through Suhair VP, in their Indian Super League 2025-26 match at the PJN Stadium in Margao, on Friday.The Gaurs returned to winning ways after a run of draws and a defeat, climbing to fifth in the standings with 13 points, while OFC slipped to 12th with five points.The opening half was a measured contest, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Rahul KP was the most lively presence for the Juggernauts, testing the Goa defence with two early efforts, while the host found itself caught offside on multiple occasions as it attempted to build attacks.Odisha continued to threaten from a distance, with Rahul forcing a save from debutant goalkeeper Bob Jackson, who showed composure between the posts. At the other end, Udanta Singh came close after a sharp run into the box, but Amrinder Singh stood firm to deny the winger at the near post.Set pieces proved to be a potential avenue for both sides, with Moreno heading straight at the goalkeeper and Subham Bhattacharya missing narrowly, but neither side was able to break the deadlock as the first half ended goalless.ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clashThe tempo increased after the restart, with Odisha coming close to taking the lead around the hour mark. Rahim Ali’s intelligent run created space for Isak Vanlalruatfela, but the forward’s effort was well saved by Bob, who produced a crucial intervention to keep the scores level.FCG responded almost immediately and broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-worked move. Ayush Chhetri delivered a precise ball over the top of the Odisha defence to find Drazic inside the box. A sliding challenge from Carlos Delgado deflected the ball back into Drazic’s path, and the forward showed quick reactions to calmly slot the ball past Amrinder and give the host a 1-0 lead.The host doubled its advantage in the 81st minute through a set piece. Moreno stepped up to take a free kick from distance and struck a low effort through the wall, the ball taking a couple of bounces before nestling into the bottom-left corner, making it 2-0.FCG sealed the result in stoppage time after Rabeeh was fouled inside the penalty area. Brison stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, placing his shot into the left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.Odisha managed to pull one back moments later when Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Suhair, who finished from close range to make it 3-1. But it was too late as the home side walked away with all three points.Published on Apr 10, 2026 #ISL #Secondhalf #goals #Goa #beat #Odisha

ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The tempo increased after the restart, with Odisha coming close to taking the lead around the hour mark. Rahim Ali’s intelligent run created space for Isak Vanlalruatfela, but the forward’s effort was well saved by Bob, who produced a crucial intervention to keep the scores level.

FCG responded almost immediately and broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-worked move. Ayush Chhetri delivered a precise ball over the top of the Odisha defence to find Drazic inside the box. A sliding challenge from Carlos Delgado deflected the ball back into Drazic’s path, and the forward showed quick reactions to calmly slot the ball past Amrinder and give the host a 1-0 lead.

The host doubled its advantage in the 81st minute through a set piece. Moreno stepped up to take a free kick from distance and struck a low effort through the wall, the ball taking a couple of bounces before nestling into the bottom-left corner, making it 2-0.

FCG sealed the result in stoppage time after Rabeeh was fouled inside the penalty area. Brison stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, placing his shot into the left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.

Odisha managed to pull one back moments later when Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Suhair, who finished from close range to make it 3-1. But it was too late as the home side walked away with all three points.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Secondhalf #goals #Goa #beat #Odisha">ISL 2025-26: Second-half goals help FC Goa beat Odisha 3-1

Second-half goals from Dejan Drazic, Pol Moreno and Brison Fernandes helped FC Goa secure a 3-1 victory over Odisha FC, which found a late consolation through Suhair VP, in their Indian Super League 2025-26 match at the PJN Stadium in Margao, on Friday.

The Gaurs returned to winning ways after a run of draws and a defeat, climbing to fifth in the standings with 13 points, while OFC slipped to 12th with five points.

The opening half was a measured contest, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Rahul KP was the most lively presence for the Juggernauts, testing the Goa defence with two early efforts, while the host found itself caught offside on multiple occasions as it attempted to build attacks.

Odisha continued to threaten from a distance, with Rahul forcing a save from debutant goalkeeper Bob Jackson, who showed composure between the posts. At the other end, Udanta Singh came close after a sharp run into the box, but Amrinder Singh stood firm to deny the winger at the near post.

Set pieces proved to be a potential avenue for both sides, with Moreno heading straight at the goalkeeper and Subham Bhattacharya missing narrowly, but neither side was able to break the deadlock as the first half ended goalless.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The tempo increased after the restart, with Odisha coming close to taking the lead around the hour mark. Rahim Ali’s intelligent run created space for Isak Vanlalruatfela, but the forward’s effort was well saved by Bob, who produced a crucial intervention to keep the scores level.

FCG responded almost immediately and broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-worked move. Ayush Chhetri delivered a precise ball over the top of the Odisha defence to find Drazic inside the box. A sliding challenge from Carlos Delgado deflected the ball back into Drazic’s path, and the forward showed quick reactions to calmly slot the ball past Amrinder and give the host a 1-0 lead.

The host doubled its advantage in the 81st minute through a set piece. Moreno stepped up to take a free kick from distance and struck a low effort through the wall, the ball taking a couple of bounces before nestling into the bottom-left corner, making it 2-0.

FCG sealed the result in stoppage time after Rabeeh was fouled inside the penalty area. Brison stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, placing his shot into the left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.

Odisha managed to pull one back moments later when Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Suhair, who finished from close range to make it 3-1. But it was too late as the home side walked away with all three points.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Secondhalf #goals #Goa #beat #Odisha
Deadspin | Without star Joel Embiid, Sixers set to visit Pacers Apr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (77) and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) talk with NBA referee Eric Dalen (37) during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images With an unfortunate development for star Joel Embiid looming over them, the Philadelphia 76ers will try to pull out of a three-game slide when they meet the Indiana Pacers on Friday night in Indianapolis. Philadelphia (43-37) learned that the former NBA MVP needed an appendectomy on Thursday before the team faced the Houston Rockets. “We had an unbelievable day as a team [on Wednesday]. We had a great practice, a great film session, we were getting up and down the court, and [Embiid] was a part of all of that,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Thursday. “That’s what hits you in the stomach a little bit when you get that news.” Without their standout center, who is out indefinitely, the Sixers lost 113-102 to the Rockets to fall into a virtual tie with the Charlotte Hornets for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia and Charlotte both have clinched a postseason berth and have just two games remaining in the regular season as they jockey for postseason positioning. Coming off lopsided losses at home to Detroit last Saturday and at San Antonio on Monday, the Sixers made a few late-game pushes after trailing the Rockets by as many as 28 points. Rookie VJ Edgecombe scored four of his 21 points during an 8-0 run that pulled Philadelphia within five points in the final two minutes before the team ran out of steam. Edgecombe heads into the final weekend of the regular season having scored in double figures in 10 of the last 11 games, with Thursday marking his sixth game with at least 21 points in that stretch. Edgecombe’s play in March earned him the league Rookie of the Month. Indiana (19-61) enters Friday’s matchup already doomed to the worst regular-season record in franchise history. Just one year removed from only the second NBA Finals appearance in their existence, the Pacers faced injury woes throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Depleted Indiana pulled out of a three-game losing skid on Thursday, blowing out Brooklyn 123-94. Obi Toppin scored a season-high 26 points to help power Indiana to 80 points in the paint. Toppin’s best outing since returning in late February from a 56-game absence due to a stress fracture in his right foot provides a glimmer of optimism for Indiana looking to turn the page to 2026-27. Another positive for the Pacers this week was the return of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton to 5-on-5 activities. Haliburton sustained an Achilles’ injury in last June’s seventh game of the NBA Finals vs. Oklahoma City, holding him out this entire season and setting the tone for Indiana’s woes. The rash of injuries plaguing the Pacers presented opportunities for other players to make a mark and perhaps position themselves well for the future. One such Pacer to capitalize, Jarace Walker, will close 2025-26 with career-best averages for scoring (11.6 points per game) and rebounding (5.2 per game). Walker also is heading into the closing weekend off of a near-triple-double performance with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists on Thursday. “Positional size in our league is something you always seek out,” Indiana assistant coach Lloyd Pierce said following Thursday’s win. “And Jarace has great size as a three [small forward]. Any time we can put him in [that] position, he can see the floor, but he also has the ability to pass over defenders.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #star #Joel #Embiid #Sixers #set #visit #PacersApr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (77) and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) talk with NBA referee Eric Dalen (37) during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

With an unfortunate development for star Joel Embiid looming over them, the Philadelphia 76ers will try to pull out of a three-game slide when they meet the Indiana Pacers on Friday night in Indianapolis.

Philadelphia (43-37) learned that the former NBA MVP needed an appendectomy on Thursday before the team faced the Houston Rockets.

“We had an unbelievable day as a team [on Wednesday]. We had a great practice, a great film session, we were getting up and down the court, and [Embiid] was a part of all of that,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Thursday. “That’s what hits you in the stomach a little bit when you get that news.”

Without their standout center, who is out indefinitely, the Sixers lost 113-102 to the Rockets to fall into a virtual tie with the Charlotte Hornets for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia and Charlotte both have clinched a postseason berth and have just two games remaining in the regular season as they jockey for postseason positioning.

Coming off lopsided losses at home to Detroit last Saturday and at San Antonio on Monday, the Sixers made a few late-game pushes after trailing the Rockets by as many as 28 points. Rookie VJ Edgecombe scored four of his 21 points during an 8-0 run that pulled Philadelphia within five points in the final two minutes before the team ran out of steam.

Edgecombe heads into the final weekend of the regular season having scored in double figures in 10 of the last 11 games, with Thursday marking his sixth game with at least 21 points in that stretch. Edgecombe’s play in March earned him the league Rookie of the Month.


Indiana (19-61) enters Friday’s matchup already doomed to the worst regular-season record in franchise history. Just one year removed from only the second NBA Finals appearance in their existence, the Pacers faced injury woes throughout the 2025-26 campaign.

Depleted Indiana pulled out of a three-game losing skid on Thursday, blowing out Brooklyn 123-94. Obi Toppin scored a season-high 26 points to help power Indiana to 80 points in the paint.

Toppin’s best outing since returning in late February from a 56-game absence due to a stress fracture in his right foot provides a glimmer of optimism for Indiana looking to turn the page to 2026-27. Another positive for the Pacers this week was the return of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton to 5-on-5 activities.

Haliburton sustained an Achilles’ injury in last June’s seventh game of the NBA Finals vs. Oklahoma City, holding him out this entire season and setting the tone for Indiana’s woes.

The rash of injuries plaguing the Pacers presented opportunities for other players to make a mark and perhaps position themselves well for the future. One such Pacer to capitalize, Jarace Walker, will close 2025-26 with career-best averages for scoring (11.6 points per game) and rebounding (5.2 per game).

Walker also is heading into the closing weekend off of a near-triple-double performance with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists on Thursday.

“Positional size in our league is something you always seek out,” Indiana assistant coach Lloyd Pierce said following Thursday’s win. “And Jarace has great size as a three [small forward]. Any time we can put him in [that] position, he can see the floor, but he also has the ability to pass over defenders.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #star #Joel #Embiid #Sixers #set #visit #Pacers">Deadspin | Without star Joel Embiid, Sixers set to visit Pacers Apr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (77) and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) talk with NBA referee Eric Dalen (37) during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images With an unfortunate development for star Joel Embiid looming over them, the Philadelphia 76ers will try to pull out of a three-game slide when they meet the Indiana Pacers on Friday night in Indianapolis. Philadelphia (43-37) learned that the former NBA MVP needed an appendectomy on Thursday before the team faced the Houston Rockets. “We had an unbelievable day as a team [on Wednesday]. We had a great practice, a great film session, we were getting up and down the court, and [Embiid] was a part of all of that,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Thursday. “That’s what hits you in the stomach a little bit when you get that news.” Without their standout center, who is out indefinitely, the Sixers lost 113-102 to the Rockets to fall into a virtual tie with the Charlotte Hornets for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia and Charlotte both have clinched a postseason berth and have just two games remaining in the regular season as they jockey for postseason positioning. Coming off lopsided losses at home to Detroit last Saturday and at San Antonio on Monday, the Sixers made a few late-game pushes after trailing the Rockets by as many as 28 points. Rookie VJ Edgecombe scored four of his 21 points during an 8-0 run that pulled Philadelphia within five points in the final two minutes before the team ran out of steam. Edgecombe heads into the final weekend of the regular season having scored in double figures in 10 of the last 11 games, with Thursday marking his sixth game with at least 21 points in that stretch. Edgecombe’s play in March earned him the league Rookie of the Month. Indiana (19-61) enters Friday’s matchup already doomed to the worst regular-season record in franchise history. Just one year removed from only the second NBA Finals appearance in their existence, the Pacers faced injury woes throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Depleted Indiana pulled out of a three-game losing skid on Thursday, blowing out Brooklyn 123-94. Obi Toppin scored a season-high 26 points to help power Indiana to 80 points in the paint. Toppin’s best outing since returning in late February from a 56-game absence due to a stress fracture in his right foot provides a glimmer of optimism for Indiana looking to turn the page to 2026-27. Another positive for the Pacers this week was the return of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton to 5-on-5 activities. Haliburton sustained an Achilles’ injury in last June’s seventh game of the NBA Finals vs. Oklahoma City, holding him out this entire season and setting the tone for Indiana’s woes. The rash of injuries plaguing the Pacers presented opportunities for other players to make a mark and perhaps position themselves well for the future. One such Pacer to capitalize, Jarace Walker, will close 2025-26 with career-best averages for scoring (11.6 points per game) and rebounding (5.2 per game). Walker also is heading into the closing weekend off of a near-triple-double performance with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists on Thursday. “Positional size in our league is something you always seek out,” Indiana assistant coach Lloyd Pierce said following Thursday’s win. “And Jarace has great size as a three [small forward]. Any time we can put him in [that] position, he can see the floor, but he also has the ability to pass over defenders.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #star #Joel #Embiid #Sixers #set #visit #Pacers

2025 WNBA Finals - Game Three - Las Vegas Aces v Phoenix Mercury
2025 WNBA Finals - Game Three - Las Vegas Aces v Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 08: Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Phoenix Mercury dribbles against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter of Game Three of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 08, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Getty Images

#WNBA #free #agency #grades #Alyssa #Thomas #Mercury">WNBA free agency grades: Alyssa Thomas to the Mercury — A PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 08: Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Phoenix Mercury dribbles against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter of Game Three of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 08, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Getty Images #WNBA #free #agency #grades #Alyssa #Thomas #Mercury

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