SALT LAKE CITY - Joel Embiid will not play against the Jazz in the Sixers' first leg of back-to-backs, making way for Nerlens Noel to see extended minutes.
The Sixers cited rest when choosing to sit Embiid on Thursday ahead of Friday's game in Denver. Embiid has played the last six games, his longest stretch of the season, averaging 27.5 minutes, 20.0 points and 6.8 rebounds.
"My body has been kind of tired, that played a part in making that decision," Embiid said after practice Wednesday. "I'll be fine. I just need a couple days of rest and get my body going again."
Noel will see an increase in his playing time, which has been inconsistent since his return from knee surgery because of the bigs situation. The most he has logged is 10 minutes (twice). The Sixers have not put a number on it, but Noel could play around 20 minutes against the Jazz without Embiid and Richaun Holmes (NBA concussion protocol).
"I see it as a good opportunity for myself to just go out there and showcase and be able to play my game and get up and down the court," Noel said. "Whatever the minutes are, I'll be able to just play natural and just play my game."
The Sixers have emphasized education and conditioning as keys to Noel's playing time. He participated in a workout for low-minute players on Tuesday. Noel said his fitness level is "as good as it can be" given the actual playing time. He is prepared to fight through the altitude as well.
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"I know what I've got to come in here and do," Noel said. "Take it step by step, bring myself along slowly as I play through the game tomorrow, just stay mentally calm and play my game."
Brown does not plan to start Noel and Jahlil Okafor together, as the Sixers have been doing with Embiid and Okafor. Pairing them is a possibility, but they struggled doing so last season. However they are utilized, both will be keys to countering the Jazz frontcourt that boasts Rudy Gobert (12.4 points, 11.9 rebounds) and Derrick Favors (8.8 points, 5.6 rebounds).
"You do it with Jah and Nerlens. I'm excited," Brown said. "I don't believe we're going to start that way. It could end up that way, I don't know, it's going to be fluid."
The Jazz beat the Sixers 109-84 in their first meeting of the season in Philadelphia on Nov. 7. Noel was still sidelined at the time with his rehab.
