Joel Embiid sits out vs. Pistons with knee soreness; 76ers seek rebound after two losses.

Joel Embiid is out for Friday’s NBA Cup game against the Pistons due to right knee soreness, marking his third straight absence despite no structural damage. Tyrese Maxey has averaged 30 points in four recent games against Detroit. Paul George remains sidelined with a left knee recovery, and Jared McCain is on a G League assignment. VJ Edgecombe is questionable with a back spasm. Rookie Dominick Barlow returns after missing nine games with a right elbow laceration. The 76ers, 7-4 overall and 0-1 in the NBA Cup, aim to rebound after losing their last two games to the Pistons.