Philadelphia 76ers' star Joel Embiid was absent from the team's season opener against Milwaukee as part of a strategic plan to ensure his long-term health and readiness for the playoffs. The decision to sit out Embiid was attributed to left knee management, with indications that he may also miss upcoming road games against Toronto and Indiana.
On the other hand, newly acquired player Paul George was unable to make his debut due to a bone bruise sustained during the preseason. The team announced that George will undergo further evaluation later in the week.
Embiid, who has faced criticism for his limited playing time, is reportedly responding well to his rehab plan and is scheduled for scrimmages this week. The 7-footer endured a challenging previous season, playing only 39 games due to knee surgery and a subsequent diagnosis of Bell’s palsy during the playoffs.
Coach Nick Nurse clarified that Embiid's absence was not due to a new injury but rather a precautionary measure to ensure his readiness. The team, including medical staff and front office, collaborates in deciding Embiid's playing schedule, aiming to have him in optimal condition for the playoffs.
The NBA has shown interest in Embiid's situation, especially after implementing measures to encourage star players' participation in key games. The league can penalize teams for violating player availability policies, with fines escalating for repeated infractions.
Despite the absence of key players, the Sixers fielded a starting lineup featuring Tyrese Maxey, Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre Jr., KJ Martin, and Eric Gordon for the season opener.
Embiid, who signed a lucrative contract before the season, has been working on his conditioning and weight management to improve his durability. The 76ers have struggled in the playoffs due to Embiid's injury woes, emphasizing the importance of his health for the team's success.
Embiid, a former No. 3 draft pick, has faced challenges with injuries throughout his career, highlighting the significance of managing his workload to maximize his impact on the court.
