Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers was on track to play against the Denver Nuggets on the road for the first time since 2019.
The team decided not add Embiid to the injury report for Saturday’s game against the Nuggets, even though he had a scare during Thursday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Finally, Embiid would be facing the two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, in Denver. Regretfully, the big man’s actions during his customary pregame warmup caused the Sixers medical staff to decide against allowing him to play on Saturday away from home against the Nuggets. Nick Nurse, 76ers HC said,
“He did go out to do his regular warmup, and the medical care team just didn’t like what they saw,” “Left knee soreness and decided it was much safer for him not to play today.”
Persistent Fitness Issue for Joel Embiid
Embiid’s absences this season due to knee-related setbacks are not unusual. Embiid injured his knee back in December, which caused him to miss four games in a row. He was back for two games in early January, but knee swelling kept him out of action for three games from January 6 to January 12.
Before the Denver game, Embiid had played in six straight games. Embiid played 38 minutes during the team’s game against the Nuggets last week in South Philadelphia, recording 41 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists. The Sixers had a five-point advantage over the Nuggets at the moment.
Read More : After a Career-High, the 76ERS Mob Joel Embiid in the Locker Room
In the absence of Embiid and several other important players, Philadelphia was unable to match Denver’s level of success. Nick Nurse added ,
“I think all of those guys will be re-evaluated tomorrow. I think that Joel, obviously, after the San Antonio game looked good. In Indiana, he didn’t look great as far as his movements. I was a little concerned there,” “I don’t think it’s anything super major, but we’re always monitoring the swelling or whatever’s going on and trying to get it under control and get him ready as soon as we can.”