The Philadelphia 76ers can’t catch a break. We’ve had to use this every time we’re writing about the Sixers. You must be wondering “What is it this time?” Well, their injury report. They had a little relief as they won against the Brooklyn Nets in their previous game, but the names on their injury report just seem to keep increasing. Joel Embiid‘s plan to stay fit for the postseason would only work if there’s a postseason left for the Sixers.

The Los Angeles Clippers seem to be in great form, they are on a 4 game-winning streak. Their home-winning streak is even more impressive with 7 wins in a row. The Clippers are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, hoping to notch their fifth straight victory. Norman Powell’s status is clear, and his impressive 23.3 points per game will be difficult to replicate. Thanks to their depth and strong defensive presence, the Clippers still hold a clear advantage over a 76ers roster battling its own absences. Games like this highlight how critical it is for teams to have a versatile lineup ready to step up.

Will the Clippers claim their fifth consecutive win?

The Clippers have 5 players listed on their injury report. Norman Powell will miss Sunday’s matchup against the 76ers due to a left hamstring strain. He picked up the injury early in the Clippers’ narrow 102-99 win over the Warriors on Monday. Despite the setback, Powell returned to the court and led his team with 23 points. Over 15 games this season, he’s averaged an impressive 23.3 points, proving to be a reliable offensive weapon. Losing Powell is a tough blow for the Clippers.

Kawhi Leonard hasn’t played a single game this season, as he continues to sit out due to right knee injury management. On Monday, head coach Tyronn Lue offered a small update, mentioning Leonard is doing “a little bit” of shooting. However, he has yet to rejoin the team for practice. So it remains without question that Leonard will be out as well. PJ Tucker is out as well, as he’s not with the team.

Along with them, Cam Christie and Trentyn Flowers are out as well, fulfilling their G League duties.

Are Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain enough for the 76ers to hold back the Clippers?

The Sixers haven’t been able to field their Big Three together more than once this season. Mainly because of Embiid and Paul George not being healthy. According to Shams Charania, the 76ers have announced that their star player is dealing with knee swelling. The 2022-23 MVP had already missed the first six games of the season to manage his surgically repaired left knee. He’ll be out for this game as well.

Philadelphia hoped signing George would offer some relief in case Embiid was sidelined. However, George is also following a load management plan and missed the beginning of the season as well. He injured his left knee again and is out for the game as well. Looks like the 76ers have been facing some tough luck with injuries early on.

Kyle Lowry is out as well. The 6x All-Star suffered a right hip strain probably in Monday’s game against the Miami Heat. With Maxey back now, he has taken his starting spot again. With Lowry out, Jeff Dowtin and Eric Gordon could see more minutes off the bench.

Sunday’s showdown between the Clippers and the 76ers is shaping up to be a battle despite key injuries. Philadelphia’s offense will rely heavily on Maxey, who’s been averaging 25.2 points per game this season. For the Clippers, James Harden is expected to take charge. The 76ers, who are struggling with their offense at just 103.9 points per game, will have a hard time breaking through the Clippers’ elite defense, ranked 4th in the league. This game could come down to which team can manage their missing stars and step up.