Joel Embiid Could Miss The First Playoff Game For 76ers


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The 76ers haven’t been finishing the regular season particularly strong. Some of that has to do with the Philadelphia already being set into the playoffs and not wanting to risk getting hurt over games that ultimately don’t matter for them. Another part of it has been that Embiid has been battling a knee injury, thus forcing him out of the lineup. The Sixers star big man has been in and out of the lineup and has recently missed the Sixers final two games of the season. Before that, he played in a loss to Milwaukee and a win against Chicago.

Embiid will likely suit up for the playoffs and is merely sitting out so he doesn’t further irritate his injury in games that ultimately don’t matter, but Sixers general manager Elton Brand left the door open to Embiid possibly missing a playoff game. When the 76ers open the playoffs against Brooklyn, the hope is for Embiid to play, but it is possible he’ll have to sit. Via ESPN.

Joel Embiid’s achy left knee may prevent the All-Star from playing in the Philadelphia 76ers’ playoff opener.

General manager Elton Brand said Wednesday that Embiid was expected to play in the postseason, but added it was “possible” the 7-foot center wouldn’t be ready for the first game. Embiid sat out Wednesday’s regular-season finale against Chicago, his fifth absence in seven games to close out the season.


After the Sixers’ regular season finale, coach Brett Brown wouldn’t elaborate further, saying the team would put out a statement later on Embiid’s status — team PR later clarified the statement would be the official injury report.

If there’s any game for the 76ers to have Embiid miss then Game 1 is probably the best one, but it’s still a little concerning that the GM won’t completely close the door on that possibility. That said, Embiid has played in 10 of the 76ers last 16 games. If the games matter then he’s probably going to play. It’s hard to see him not, unless there’s been a setback.

It’s worth noting that the 76ers, while clearly cruising into the playoffs, have not played amazingly well in those games without Embiid. They lost six of them and it’s obvious that they need someone like him on the floor if they’re going to make a playoff run. That said, the playoffs are different and rest is more affordable. Hopefully that means he can manage any pain and not miss games, but it’s not out of the question.

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