Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is set to miss his tenth consecutive game when the team takes on the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday evening. The Sixers' initial injury report, released on Saturday, listed Embiid's right knee issue as an "out" due to ongoing management, a day-to-day designation that has been in place since November 11.
Embiid has struggled with a persistent knee problem since his last appearance on the court, and despite being listed as questionable leading into Tuesday's game, he was ruled out just hours before tip-off. In light of this, head coach Nick Nurse revealed that the team observed an improvement in Embiid's condition between games, prompting the decision to down-grade his status.
Nurse attributed Embiid's continued absence to the need for "pain management and on-court activity" to alleviate the right knee issue. However, he did leave the door open for VJ Edgecombe to return to action on Sunday, despite a three-game absence due to a left calf strain. The 22-year-old has been working with the team's walkthrough session, indicating that there is at least some chance of him suiting up.
On a more positive note, veteran center Andre Drummond escaped serious injury after suffering a painful knee in Brooklyn. An MRI confirmed that the veteran big man avoided any structural damage to his right knee, and Nurse expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that he should be back on the court "fairly soon."
Trendon Watford's left adductor injury has also been ruled out, while Kelly Oubre Jr.'s left knee issue is nearing its re-evaluation checkpoint. The expected absences for Sunday's game are therefore Watford and Oubre, with an update likely to follow on the veteran swingman in the coming week.
Embiid has struggled with a persistent knee problem since his last appearance on the court, and despite being listed as questionable leading into Tuesday's game, he was ruled out just hours before tip-off. In light of this, head coach Nick Nurse revealed that the team observed an improvement in Embiid's condition between games, prompting the decision to down-grade his status.
Nurse attributed Embiid's continued absence to the need for "pain management and on-court activity" to alleviate the right knee issue. However, he did leave the door open for VJ Edgecombe to return to action on Sunday, despite a three-game absence due to a left calf strain. The 22-year-old has been working with the team's walkthrough session, indicating that there is at least some chance of him suiting up.
On a more positive note, veteran center Andre Drummond escaped serious injury after suffering a painful knee in Brooklyn. An MRI confirmed that the veteran big man avoided any structural damage to his right knee, and Nurse expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that he should be back on the court "fairly soon."
Trendon Watford's left adductor injury has also been ruled out, while Kelly Oubre Jr.'s left knee issue is nearing its re-evaluation checkpoint. The expected absences for Sunday's game are therefore Watford and Oubre, with an update likely to follow on the veteran swingman in the coming week.
! The Sixers need him so badly right now, especially with their playoff run still on the line 
. But at least it's not all bad news, VJ Edgecombe might finally get some playing time 
... fingers crossed he can help turn things around for Philly! 
On a more positive note, Andre Drummond dodged a bullet with no serious injury, that's a huge relief 
. Now it's just about getting Kelly Oubre Jr. back on track, hopefully he'll be healthy enough to contribute soon 
The team's just downplaying his absence at this point, using the 'pain management' excuse. I need some actual sources on that one... Meanwhile, Edgecombe's gotta be doing something right to even get considered for a spot on the court after 3 games out. And Drummond's injury sounds pretty bad... an MRI and all? 
it's like embiid's gotta be super patient with his body rn... we all know how frustrating it can be when we're stuck on the sidelines while others are out there killing it 
but i guess this is just part of the game, right? 
but let's be real, sometimes it takes a little (or a lot) of time for our bodies to heal 
).
. it's also interesting how they're being cautious with Watford and Oubre, like they're not willing to risk making their injuries worse just for a game 
I mean what even is going on with that knee?! He's always been one of the most dominant players on the court and now he's just sidelined by this nagging injury 
. And to make matters worse, VJ Edgecombe might be back soon but it's not gonna be the same without Embiid's energy on the court 