Nic Batum Cites Area of Focus for 76ers Amid Joel Embiid's Absence

Over the past few weeks, the Philadelphia 76ers have found themselves without the services of their most important player. As Joel Embiid continues to recover from a knee injury suffered against the Golden State Warriors, the team has to find new ways to stay competitive. 

So far, the Sixers have played three games since the All-Star break ended. They picked up a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday, but dropped matchups to the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks. 

Following practice on Monday, Sixers forward Nic Batum touched on life without Embiid in the lineup. He said the team cannot sit back and hope Tyrese Maxey can score a large amount every night. The veteran also cited ball movement as a key point of emphasis on offense without the reigning MVP on the floor. 

"When we're moving the ball, we can be a good team on offense. When we're missing Joel, we need find other ways to score," Batum told reporters. "We can't rely on Tyrese to get 50 every freaking time. That won't happen." 

Replacing the production of Embiid is not something that can be done by one person. It takes the group as a whole to collectively step up and fill the void. This was on display against the Cavaliers, and is the Sixers best chance to remain afloat while they wait for Embiid to return. 

All year, the Sixers have been viewed as one of the deeper teams in the league. Even following their trade deadline moves, the roster is still filled with productive players. Now, they have to rely on that depth more than ever. 

In their win over the Cavs, the Sixers had five players finish in double-figures. On top of that, seven players scored at least seven. Moving forward, this is the type of production they need from the group if they want to remain competitive. 

Looking at the standings, the Sixers remain in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a 33-24 record. However, the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, and Miami Heat are all right on their heels.