Sixers’ Joel Embiid and Nico Batum out Friday game in Houston

A pair of Sixers will miss Friday's game against the Houston Rockets but could be nearing a return to the court, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquire.

Pompey posted that the hope is that Nico Batum will return on Saturday against the Bulls.

Batum has been a welcomed addition to the team since coming over in the James Harden trade, connecting on 49% of his three-point shots since coming to Philly. Overall he is scoring 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 24.8 minutes per game.

Embiid sprained his right ankle in a win over the Toronto Raptors on Dec. 22. He stayed in the game, and ended up scoring 31 points and 10 rebounds to improve his 30 and 10 streak to 13 games.

He missed Christmas Night in Miami against the Heat, Wednesday's game in Orlando against the Magic, and will now miss Friday's game in Houston.

With Embiid out, reserve Paul Reed finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal, three blocks, and added a 3-pointer in 30 minutes in Orlando.

Checkout These South Jersey Craft Drinks To Pair With Your Christmas and New Year's Holidays

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