How Concerning is Joel Embiid’s Absence for Sixers’ Finale vs. Nets?

Heading into the Sunday afternoon finale between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets, the Sixers had Joel Embiid listed as questionable on the injury report.

Embiid’s initial status was far from concerning. Since he returned to action over a week ago, the star center has entered every game listed as questionable. He ended up playing in five of the last six games. His only absence came on the second matchup of a back-to-back set.

Sunday’s game felt like a sure thing for Embiid. Considering a loss would likely damage the Sixers’ chances of clinching a spot in the playoffs without having to go through the Play-In Tournament, Embiid’s presence would’ve been a huge boost against an undermanned Nets team.

However, the Sixers downgraded the veteran center, ruling him out for the second time since his return from a 29-game recovery period.

Apr 12, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) limps on | Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Cause for Concern?

Panic set in a bit for the Sixers’ fan base, which is understandable considering the sequence of events that took place on Thursday night.

As the Sixers went toe-to-toe with the Orlando Magic, Embiid pulled himself out of the game late in the second quarter as he experienced discomfort in his knee.

When he went back to the locker room shortly before halftime, Embiid’s status moving forward was unclear. Fortunately for Philadelphia, Embiid was cleared to return. He finished the night with 32 minutes played. Embiid accounted for 32 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in the victory over Orlando.

Embiid publicly mentioned he was “good” after the game. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse noted that Embiid participated in a light practice session on Saturday. Yet, he was still ruled out on Sunday.

According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, the Sixers are treating the absence as a “precautionary measure.” While the Sixers can’t guarantee Embiid’s status in future games just yet, Bontemps reports that the expectation is that Embiid would be ready for a Play-In or playoff matchup.

Depending on the outcome of Sunday’s slate, the Sixers could play early on in the week, partaking in the Play-In Tournament. If they manage to lock up the fifth or sixth seed, Embiid will get more time off before the start of the first round.