76ers to reassess injured Joel Embiid following All-Star break
PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid will be unavailable for the matchup against the New York Knicks on Wednesday evening due to management of a right knee injury.
Embiid experienced discomfort in the knee following his performance where he scored 33 points in 33 minutes during Saturday’s victory over the Phoenix Suns, sources informed ESPN. He subsequently missed Monday’s defeat to the Trail Blazers in Portland. Sources indicated that while the discomfort has lessened, he will again be absent for the game against the Knicks and will undergo reevaluation after the All-Star break.
Wednesday’s contest marks the Sixers’ final game before the break, and there is optimism that extended rest will be beneficial for Embiid to recover for the upcoming stretch of the season.
“I believe anyone who is a bit sore and banged up can benefit from a week of treatment and rest,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse stated, “and he certainly falls into that category.”
Following a sluggish start to the season, Embiid has significantly improved over the last two months. He is averaging 26.6 points and 7.5 rebounds over 31 games this season.
Philadelphia is also missing Paul George, who was suspended for 25 games on Jan. 31 for breaching the NBA’s anti-drug policy.
The 76ers will resume play after the break against the Atlanta Hawks at home on Feb. 19.
