Report: Joel Embiid Expected to Participate in NBA All-Star Game

Joel Embiid refused to fully commit to playing in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game earlier this week. Although the Philadelphia 76ers’ big man was initially voted in as a reserve, Embiid was bumped up as an injury replacement.

But the star big man is dealing with some injury concerns himself.

Two weeks ago, Embiid noted that his lingering foot soreness wasn’t really going away. When asked if it would be something that could keep him out of the All-Star game, Embiid threw the idea out there that he could potentially sit out.

“I’m not sure, we’re going to see how it goes,” said Embiid two Fridays ago. “I got three games. So, I’m just taking it day by day. I missed a few games because of it. It’s all about just managing it and taking it day by day. There’s a reason why I’ve been questionable every single game. So, I’m just taking it day by day.”

During the week leading up to the All-Star game, Embiid was asked once more about his playing status after Philadelphia defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers at home on Wednesday night.

“I’m not sure. I’m not healthy,” he explained. “I haven’t been healthy for the last three weeks. I was just trying to get to the All-Star break without missing games and stuff. I felt like I’ve reached a point where I really need to follow the doctor’s advice. Back then, he said I should’ve been sitting for two weeks. So, I’ll just see how the next few days go, and we’ll go from there.”

When All-Star Game participants gathered for practice and media availability on Saturday in Salt Lake City, Utah, Embiid was not present. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, Embiid was not in Utah at the time. However, he added that Embiid was expected to make it to Salt Lake City in time for the game. And Embiid is expected to play.

“Joel Embiid missed Saturday’s Eastern Conference All-Star practices and the following media availability.The 76ers’ six-time All-Star, however, is expected to be on hand for Sunday night’s NBA All-Star Game at the Vivint Arena. All this comes after Embiid reiterated on Wednesday that he’s unsure if he’ll play in the game.A Sixers source believes that Embiid intends to play in the All-Star Game. But on Wednesday, the 7-foot-2, 280-pounder didn’t give the impression that he would definitely play.”

Embiid won’t come out confirming or denying his status for Sunday night, but it seems he’s just going to keep up with a similar trend as of late. He’s questionable and viewed as a game-time decision until he deems himself ready to play after warming up.

If Embiid makes the trip to Salt Lake City after playing in the Sixers’ previous 11 games, it seems he’s more than likely on pace to play.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.