Mo Bamba feeling comfortable starting for Sixers with Joel Embiid out

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are working through this period without Joel Embiid, but they have gotten solid play out of Mo Bamba.

With Embiid out, the Sixers have turned to Bamba and Paul Reed to fill minutes at center. Results have been mixed.

Bamba has produced some solid production during his time as a starter. His numbers aren’t eye-popping. He’s averaging 4.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in his game as starter, but his size and shot-blocking ability make a difference. He had eight rebounds and a block in Saturday’s win over the Charlotte Hornets.

“Pretty comfortable because you can set the tone early,” Bamba said of starting for the Sixers. “I know when we played them last time I was able to set the tone early with two plays at the rim. I let my energy die down a little bit after my second or third stint, but today (Saturday) it was just a matter of just doing things the right way compared to last game.”

There have been times Bamba’s energy level drops throughout a game. He knows that. Being the professional he is, it’s about correcting the mistakes and continuing to prepare for the next opportunity. He was essential in the win over the Hornets.

“Not over helping, not stepping up and letting them get rolls behind, but also being there for (Brandon) Miller who likes to come off to his left for jump shots and stuff, but just been feels good to get out there and set the tone defensively and let our second unit kind of build,” Bamba added. “I mean, this is the second game straight they were huge for us all off the bench and you got to kind of tip your hat, too.”

On offense, Bamba has attempted at least one 3-pointer in his last five games, taking at least two in three of those games. It appears as though that shot is becoming a bit of an emphasis for him as he moves forward.

“Yes and no,” he said of the 3s he’s attempting. “I know that on this team compared to the teams that I’ve been on before, like, offense isn’t something that I think about too much because we got Reese (Tyrese Maxey) who can throw them in a bunch. You got Buddy (Hield) who can shoot the lights out. You got KO (Kelly Oubre Jr.) who can put up numbers. Tobias (Harris) when he gets back is able to put up numbers.”

Bamba’s role with the Sixers is to block shots and make an impact defensively. Whatever offense he provides is a plus.

“So as far as just what shots I get and how many shots I get, and what kind of shots I get, I’m not too overly concerned with it,” he finished. “It’s just being that backline help on defense and backline voice and just making sure to get our guys in order.”

The Sixers will host the Miami Heat on Monday.