Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will be sitting out a second consecutive game on Sunday as he continues to manage swelling in his left knee. The team announced this decision during halftime of Friday's NBA Cup game against the Brooklyn Nets, stating that it was made in consultation with the team's medical staff.
Embiid was initially listed as questionable before Friday's game and was considered a game-time decision. However, he did not participate in warmups and was ultimately ruled out 30 minutes before tip-off. The Sixers confirmed that Embiid will also miss Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers as he receives treatments for his knee condition.
The 2023 NBA MVP had played on Wednesday night in Memphis, scoring 35 points and grabbing 11 rebounds despite showing signs of discomfort due to his knee injury. This setback adds to Embiid's history of dealing with knee issues, as he was limited to 39 games last season following knee surgery.
Embiid, who recently signed a $193 million contract, missed the first 10 games of this season due to knee management and a suspension. The Sixers' projected 'Big Three' of Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey have had limited playing time together this season due to various injuries.
George, who is recovering from a left knee bone bruise, is expected to be out until next week. Meanwhile, Maxey returned to action against Memphis after a two-week absence due to a hamstring injury.
Embiid's status will be updated early next week as the team continues to monitor his progress and manage his knee swelling. Despite these challenges, the Sixers remain focused on supporting Embiid's recovery and ensuring his long-term health and performance on the court.
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