76ers News: Joel Embiid Misses Practice Ahead of Miami Heat Matchup

What's the latest on Joel Embiid?

For the second year in a row, the Philadelphia 76ers are set to play in a primetime matchup on Christmas Day. After downing the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden last year, the Sixers will battle it out against the Miami Heat down South Beach this season.

Will Joel Embiid be a part of the team’s competition on Monday? Well, there are signs his status could be up in the air after a minor setback occurred on Friday night.

As the Sixers battled it out against the Toronto Raptors on Friday, Embiid was shaken up in the first quarter. After twisting his ankle, Embiid spent the remainder of the matchup showing that he was clearly dealing with some pain.

While the big man still managed to put together a 30-plus-point performance, helping to lead the Sixers past the Raptors for the third time this season, there was some concern for the big man after the game, as Nick Nurse couldn’t be positive his star center was truly ok until he would find out how Embiid was feeling the following day.

“He obviously was sore a little turned ankle there,” said Sixers head coach Nick Nurse after the game. “[The training staff] didn’t say much. I think he was OK. Obviously, he stayed in the game and didn’t change any part of his rotation I don’t think at all for the night except for the very end. I imagine it’s a turn, he played through it. I’m sure it’ll be sore tomorrow . We’re probably gonna have to monitor it pretty closely for the next couple days before we get on the plane.”

76ers Will Monitor Embiid’s Ankle 

The Sixers held a practice session on Saturday — and Embiid was not a part of it. While it was described as a light session, Embiid’s absence is still notable, considering what transpired on Friday night in the win over the Raptors.

Embiid downplayed the setback, noting he was “fine” on Friday. Perhaps a couple of days off before Monday night will be just what Embiid needs to rest, recover, and head back out onto the floor. For the time being, his status is unknown.