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Sixers’ Joel Embiid Deals With Injury Scare vs. Orlando Magic

Joel Embiid dealt with a minor injury scare during the Philadelphia 76ers' matchup against the Orlando Magic.
Justin Grasso|
Apr 12, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) clutches
Apr 12, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) clutches | Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

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Philadelphia 76ersOrlando Magic

On Friday night, the Philadelphia 76ers hosted the Orlando Magic. Going in, the Sixers knew it would be a critical battle as a potential playoff spot is on the line for both squads.

Heading into the game, the Sixers listed their star center Joel Embiid as questionable. With Embiid returning from an eight-week recovery after undergoing meniscus surgery back in February last week, the big man has been questionable for every game since coming back.

Friday’s game against Orlando marked the second-straight game Embiid would get cleared to play after missing last Sunday’s game on the road against the San Antonio Spurs.

Through the first half of action, Embiid checked in for 17 minutes. During that time, he drained 50 percent of his shots to lead the 76ers with 21 points through the first half. He nearly notched a triple-double by coming down with nine rebounds, and producing seven assists.

As the Sixers closed out the second quarter, Embiid drove to the basket to fight through multiple defenders, scoring his 21st point of the night. Unfortunately, Embiid showed signs of discomfort after landing.

The star center limped his way back to the other end of the court while grabbing at his knee. When the Sixers regained possession, Embiid urged the head coach Nick Nurse to call a timeout. As soon as Nurse got his request to stop the game, Embiid wasted no time returning to the locker room to get checked out.

The Sixers closed out the half with a 68-61 lead. At that point, Embiid’s return to action was unclear. Shortly before the Sixers and the Magic tipped off for the second half, Embiid returned to the court to warm up. While he dealt with an injury scare, the seven-time All-Star has re-entered the game.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s Philadelphia 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia Threads: @JGrassoMedia

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