Joel Embiid Absent for Sixers' Shootaround Before Thunder Matchup

Joel Embiid did not participate in the Philadelphia 76ers' shootaround on Tuesday.

Jan 19, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) holds the ball | Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Fans of the Philadelphia 76ers are holding out hope for a potential Joel Embiid return on Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

So far, all signs are pointing to the big man missing another matchup.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Embiid’s status on the injury report is the same as it initially was; he is ruled out due to a meniscus injury.

Sixers fans hoped for an upgrade, but Embiid’s absence at the team’s shootaround session on Tuesday morning once again suggested that the star’s return is unlikely to happen against OKC.

On Monday, several reports suggested that Embiid’s return was “imminent,” and could happen as early as Tuesday. Last week, Embiid practiced in full with his teammates for the first time since undergoing a procedure to correct his injury.

In order to prepare for his eventual return, Embiid joined the Sixers on their two-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers and concluding with a game against the Toronto Raptors.

While Embiid continued practicing with the team throughout the trip, he wouldn’t get cleared for action. It seems the trend will continue on Tuesday, leading Embiid to miss his 30th game in a row.

The earliest Embiid could return after Tuesday’s game is on Thursday, when the Sixers pay a visit to the Miami Heat. If not then, Saturday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies on the road would be the next opportunity.

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