76ers' Joel Embiid Facing Potential Absence vs. Wizards

When the Philadelphia 76ers and the Washington Wizards meet for the third time this season on Monday night at the Wells Fargo Center, Joel Embiid could be ruled inactive.

Heading into the matchup, the Sixers added Embiid to the team’s injury report, labeling him as questionable due to soreness in his left knee.

The recent setback is a new one for Embiid, who has been dominant upon his return from a two-game absence due to illness. When the Sixers faced the Wizards last Wednesday on the road, Embiid checked in for 38 minutes and put on his most dominant scoring performance of the year.

Knocking down 65 percent of his shots from the field, Embiid cranked out a 50-point outing. He also added 13 rebounds to secure the double-double in Philly’s five-point win over Washington. Two nights later, the Sixers returned to their home court to host the Atlanta Hawks.

In a battle with the Hawks, Embiid played for 35 minutes. His night was nearly cut short when an attack to the basket led to Embiid dealing with an injury scare. After twisting his knee, Embiid walked gingerly back to the other end of the court after being slow to get up. He finished the game without notable limitations, but it was clear something was off.

After the matchup, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse mentioned there was certainly a concern. Meanwhile, Embiid downplayed the situation and considered himself to be fine. When the Sixers participated in a practice session on Sunday, Embiid was reportedly a participant, according to Nurse. However, that didn’t guarantee the big man would play on Monday.

In the event Embiid isn’t cleared for action, he would miss his fourth game this season. After appearing in the Sixers’ first 14 games of the year, he’s missed three of the previous seven due to an illness and hip soreness.

Considering Embiid’s high success rate against the Wizards, scoring 98 points in the previous two outings, the big man’s presence would be a huge boost for a Sixers team that has an opportunity to collect its third-straight victory on Monday night. At the same time, a shorthanded Sixers team should be able to take care of business against a struggling Wizards team that has lost nine of its last ten games.

The Sixers and the Wizards are set to battle it out at 7 PM ET.