Sixers single out center duo of Andre Drummond, Adem Bona after win

PHILADELPHIA -- Let's be real, one can't really replace Joel Embiid. Even as he was in and out of the lineup dealing with injuries and a variety of ailments, the big fella still averaged 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds in the 38 games he was limited to in 2025-26.

With Embiid sidelined after having to undergo an emergency appendectomy on April 9, the Sixers have had to turn to Andre Drummond and Adem Bona to fill in for one of the game's great players.

They answered the bell in Wednesday's 109-97 win over the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament. Drummond had 14 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks while knocking down the dagger 3 for Philadelphia late while Bona had three big blocks in the third quarter.

"I thought Bona was great," said Paul George. "He was athletic. He made a lot of big plays, protecting the basket. I thought he altered a lot of shots, which forced misses and allowed us to get those rebounds. I thought he was just active. Drum gave us—he was dominated on both sides. I thought he had some good plays, keeping balls alive, rebounding. Those two big 3s he made. I thought he was, you know, he was definitely special on both ends."

As the Sixers now head into the playoffs to take on the Boston Celtics, they will continue to lean on that Bona-Drummond duo. That is what's going to take them to the next level. While Embiid continues to recover, they will need both Drummond and Bona to play a huge role for Philadelphia.

"Those two guys are—they stay ready," said Tyrese Maxey. "Andre Drummond, he stays ready, man. When Joel plays, sometimes he doesn't play. Sometimes he doesn’t play until the fourth quarter, but he's been huge for us this year, honestly. I’m so proud of him. So proud."