Saric doubtful for Tuesday, Embiid remains on same restriction

DS

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Editor  

The Philadelphia 76ers resumed practice at their new facility in Camden, New Jersey on Monday and per usual, players and coaches met with the media at points during the day. After being restricted to 12 minutes per game through the first three preseason games, center Joel Embiid indicated that there's a good chance that number will increase when the Sixers travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night. However, it was later confirmed that he and Gerald Henderson will remain on 12-minute restrictions with the Sixers hoping to get Embiid to the 20-24 minute limit by the opener.

Embiid has had some good tests through the first three games of preseason action, squaring off against Al Hoford, Marcin Gortat and Chris Andersen. In the teams' next game in Memphis, Embiid will be matched up against another tough opponent in Marc Gasol. The 7-foot-2 native of Cameroon is averaging 7.7 points and 3.7 rebounds on 36.4 percent shooting.

Leading into the preseason, Dario Saric was dealing with some minor back soreness, but he still played a good chunk of minutes in the Sixers three exhibition matchups. He faced his toughest test last time out against LeBron James, Kevin Love and the Cavaliers. Saric shot just 1-for-7 from the floor after putting together two impressive performances against the Celtics and Wizards. He is unlikely to play tomorrow, as head coach Brett Brown has indicated there's a good chance they'll rest Saric.

In three games thus far this preseason, Saric is averaging 9.3 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Following the conclusion of practice, the Sixers announced some more updates on players with injuries. Jerryd Bayless and Nerlens Noel did not practice while Jahlil Okafor, Nik Stauskas and Cat Barber all did individual workouts. Bayless and Noel are unlikely to make the trip to Memphis on Tuesday. Tom Moore of Calkins Media reports that Brett Brown expects Jahlil Okafor to be ready for the opener while Jerryd Bayless' injury has more 'mystery' behind it.

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