76ers: How Serious Is Joel Embiid’s Setback After Nuggets Game?

Joel Embiid had a goal to play in as many games as possible after the All-Star break. In 17 games, Embiid appeared in all but one matchup before Monday’s game against the Denver Nuggets.

Lately, Embiid’s been battling calf tightness, which started early last week. The All-Star big man missed the entire second half of last Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls.

Although Embiid was questionable for the next two matchups against the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns, Embiid pushed through and played.

After Saturday’s game against the Suns, Embiid confirmed he felt sluggish. He mentioned that a night off would soon be necessary. Many anticipated a battle between MVP candidates in Monday’s game against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. Embiid was questionable for the matchup but didn’t get the nod to play.

During a Monday morning shootaround, Embiid was practically a partial participant. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Embiid “tried to participate” in the session but wasn’t able to go. Pompey added that Embiid noted he felt “not good.”

Shortly after the Sixers concluded their shootaround session, the team downgraded the big man’s status, ruling him out for the first time since the Sixers’ March 1 matchup against the Miami Heat.

When 76ers head coach Doc Rivers addressed Embiid’s status during his pregame press conference in Denver, he mentioned that Embiid was not moving great on Monday morning. Therefore, the team made the safe decision to sit Embiid, as calf injuries can be risky.

Considering Embiid played in two of the last three games for the Sixers while dealing with calf tightness, his setback doesn’t seem too severe. While it’s something that could prevent Embiid from playing in future matchups as the team has to approach each game with caution, he will likely feel out each game on a day-by-day basis.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.