President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey took a risk of building around Joel Embiid this season. After giving the Philly fans high hopes, unforeseen circumstances struck the franchise that kept its star players off the team’s roster. Shams Charania revealed what happened in the Bahamas that led to Embiid missing the first two weeks of the 2024-25 regular season. What’s the Joel Embiid injury update?
Embiid’s Playing Status This Season And Its Impact
Joel Embiid hasn’t played for the Philadelphia 76ers since the 2024 NBA Playoffs. This was due to an assessment of his left knee. Also, the Sixers franchise hasn’t been open about Embiid’s participation on the court. Thus, the NBA investigated and discovered that the All-NBA center had knee problems, but the team was not factual in their statements to the public.
The Philadelphia 76ers are slated to play the Memphis Grizzlies tomorrow night. The team is also 1-3 through their first four games this year without Joel Embiid and Paul George. Thus, the team will need Embiid and George healthy to make the team more competitive. Yet, the Sixers’ stars won’t play against the Grizzlies.
Joel Embiid Injury Update
Initially, Shams Charania expressed that Embiid is in the ramp-up stage of his return process. Also, the Sixers center completed multiple 5-on-5 scrimmages during training. Finally, the franchise wants to make sure he is 100% before making his debut on the court. This is part of the Sixers plan to keep Joel Embiid healthy for the 2025 playoffs.
Recently, Charania told NBA on ESPN that when Embiid went on a routine checkup, they discovered some minor swelling in his left knee. This condition arose after the All-NBA center worked out with his teammate at the Bahamas training camp. Yet, Embiid’s training participation is positive as he would scrimmage with his teammates.
Embiid’s Reaction To Not Playing
Joel Embiid received criticism from both Philly fans and journalists. This criticism arose because the Sixers center didn’t appear in the franchise’s opening game. Also, the Philadelphia 76ers are struggling without his presence. Finally, the Sixers are the worst three-point shooting team this season.
In an interview, Embiid called out The Inquirer’s Marcus Hayes and other critics on why he isn’t playing. The Cameroonian reminisced on past injuries and what he had to put himself through to be available every night. In his words, he said, “I’ve done so much for this city to be treated like this.”
The All-NBA center also told ESPN that he won’t be playing back-to-back games due to his left knee condition. Thus, this message killed the Sixers fans’ hope of seeing the team’s Big Three” on the court. Also, to amplify this disappointment, the Sixers team has struggled this season. These sentiments heightened the criticism of Embiid making his 2024-25 season debut.
Final Thoughts
Now, Sixers fans know the real reason why Embiid has not played yet. On the other hand, Embiid could play once in two weeks if his knee injury keeps having minor swelling after each game. Also, it would take more time for the Sixers to achieve their playoff goals the longer Embiid is sidelined.
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