What's 76ers’ Concern Level for Joel Embiid After Loss vs. Nuggets?

For the first time since 2019, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was on pace to play against the Denver Nuggets on the road.

Despite the fact that Embiid had an injury scare in Thursday’s loss against the Indiana Pacers, the team didn’t add him to the injury report for the matchup against the Nuggets on Saturday.

At last, Embiid would be playing in Denver against the two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic. Unfortunately, what the big man put on display during his routine pregame warmup led the Sixers’ medical staff to prevent him from facing the Nuggets on the road on Saturday.

“He did go out to do his regular warmup, and the medical care team just didn’t like what they saw,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse told reporters after the game. “Left knee soreness and decided it was much safer for him not to play today.”

Absences due to a knee-related setback are nothing new for Embiid this season. Back in December, Embiid missed four straight games after tweaking his knee. Although he returned for two matchups in early January, a three-game absence occurred from January 6 to January 12 due to knee swelling.

Prior to the matchup in Denver, Embiid appeared in six straight games. When the team hosted the Nuggets in South Philly last week, Embiid appeared on the court for 38 minutes, scoring 41 points, seven rebounds, and ten assists. At the time, the Sixers beat the Nuggets by five points.

Without Embiid and a handful of other key players, Philadelphia couldn’t find the same success against Denver. Although Paul Reed played well in the absence of Embiid, the Sixers dropped their second-straight matchup, losing 111-105.

As far as Nick Nurse’s concern level for Embiid goes, he doesn’t seem to believe Embiid’s timeline should be considered anything other than day-to-day.

“I think all of those guys will be re-evaluated tomorrow. I think that Joel, obviously, after the San Antonio game looked good. In Indiana, he didn’t look great as far as his movements. I was a little concerned there,” Nurse finished. “I don’t think it’s anything super major, but we’re always monitoring the swelling or whatever’s going on and trying to get it under control and get him ready as soon as we can.”

The Sixers will get Sunday off before facing the Portland Trail Blazers on the road on Monday night.