Andre Drummond’s ability to elevate his play has become central to the Sixers’ survival in the standings now that Joel Embiid is sidelined for at least three games—and potentially longer. Embiid’s right oblique strain has already forced him out of the Boston matchup and will keep him out through the upcoming back‑to‑back, with a reevaluation to follow.
The loss to the Celtics made the stakes painfully clear. Neemias Queta dominated the interior with a career‑high 27 points and 17 rebounds, while Boston crushed Philadelphia on the glass 58–37. Drummond posted 10 points and 12 rebounds, but he struggled to contain Queta and couldn’t anchor the defense or the rebounding battle the way the Sixers needed. Even Drummond acknowledged how effectively Boston targeted him in pick‑and‑roll actions.
With Adem Bona playing on a matchup basis, the Sixers will have to continue relying on Drummond, and they need him to perform much better than he has this season.
The matchup against Boston put a microscope on Drummond's inconsistent play, which has plagued him throughout the season. He scored 10 points and hit two threes, but he wasn't nearly as effective as it seemed. He was in a bad rebounding position throughout the game, giving up multiple offensive rebounds. The Celtics' physicality disrupted him from the start of the opening period, and he never recovered.
The former all-star must turn back the hands of time and give Philadelphia a good stretch of basketball here, while Embiid nurses himself back to health. He has to set the tone physically to prevent as many second-chance points as possible and help the Sixers stay competitive on the glass. He needs to be much better on defense, specifically in pick-and-roll actions. He gets his occasional steals, but he leaves a lot to be desired from that standpoint.
His play can also dictate the rotation for Nick Nurse during this stretch. If he plays well, the Sixers don't have to overextend by playing too many small-ball lineups, which can't survive against playoff-caliber frontcourts.
Philadelphia entered this stretch needing every win to maintain its playoff footing. Without Embiid, the margin for error shrinks dramatically. Tyrese Maxey and the perimeter scorers can keep the offense afloat, but the Sixers cannot survive prolonged stretches of being outmuscled inside. Drummond doesn’t need to replicate Embiid; no one can, but he must be a stabilizing force rather than a matchup liability.
If he can elevate his play even slightly above what he showed in Boston, the Sixers can weather this stretch. If not, their grip on a playoff spot could loosen quickly.
