Joel Embiid has landed on the Philadelphia 76ers injury report again, and the timing has created another cloud of uncertainty around the former MVP. The veteran center felt soreness in his right knee late last week, and that concern pushed the Sixers to hold him out against the Boston Celtics. Philadelphia hoped for clarity once he went through imaging, and head coach Nick Nurse explained where things stand.
“We had shootaround today, obviously had a day off yesterday, he just reported a little soreness in his right knee,” Nurse said. “He had some imaging on that this afternoon, and the doctors are here tonight to go over that with him.” He emphasized that he did not expect an urgent update but wanted to see how the knee responded.
Today, Nurse offered a clearer snapshot of Embiid’s status before the team faced the Los Angeles Clippers, per Pro Football Network. “He’s OK, just not pain free. He’s still day to day, getting better. And I don’t think he’s far away from playing.”
Those words marked the most encouraging note Philadelphia has received since Embiid’s latest setback.
Sixers Continue Short Stretch Without Embiid
Embiid has dealt with several physical issues since the start of the 2023 to 2024 season, and the accumulation shows. He has only appeared in 64 regular season games during that span because of face, knee, and foot injuries. Monday’s matchup against the Clippers marked his fourth straight absence.
Nurse clarified the situation before tipoff. He told reporters that the team still does not have a target return date. Even so, he believes Embiid stands close to rejoining the active rotation. Philadelphia did not receive alarming results from the imaging, and the team simply wants him pain free before he logs meaningful minutes.
The Sixers last saw Embiid on November 8 in a matchup with the Toronto Raptors. He played nearly 26 minutes that night, which set a season high for him. Philadelphia had gradually increased his minutes from around 20 early in the year to the mid-20s range. He produced one of his best outings before this current pause. Embiid shot 10 for 16 for 29 points and added four assists, six rebounds, and one block.
Through six appearances, Embiid has averaged 19.7 points, 5.5 boards, 3.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks. His efficiency looked strong, and the Sixers built their early record around his steady impact.
76ers Lean on Youth While Waiting for Their Star Center
Philadelphia has shown real depth during this stretch. The backcourt trio of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes continues to keep the offense active. Their quick pace gives Nurse the flexibility to manage Embiid’s workload once he returns. The franchise knows this season calls for patience with their biggest star, especially if they want him fresh for spring basketball.
The timing of Embiid’s absence overlapped with a narrow 110 to 108 win over the Clippers on Monday night. Paul George returned for Los Angeles and scored nine points, but the Sixers held firm without their top option.
Philadelphia believes Embiid will rejoin the lineup soon. The team simply wants his knee to respond cleanly before he resumes the ramp-up. For now, Nurse maintains confidence in both the medical progress and the group’s ability to stay competitive until their leader steps back onto the court.
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