Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown said Tuesday that All-Star center Joel Embiid will not make the trip to Chicago for Wednesday’s game against the Bulls because of a sore left knee that has cost him the past six games. But he said Embiid could at least join the Sixers for Friday’s game at the Houston Rockets.
“I hope so,” said Brown, as quoted in The (Wilmington) News Journal. “But I’d be reckless to declare it official. I believe there’s a chance that he may meet us in Houston.”
Brown wouldn’t speculate on Embiid’s availability, or lack thereof, against the Rockets if the 24-year-old star joins up with the team in Texas.
Embiid sat out again Tuesday night against the Orlando Magic, and he has not played since the All-Star Game. The 24-year-old Embiid is averaging 27.3 points and 13.5 rebounds in 54 games. Embiid underwent an MRI two weeks ago, which revealed no structural damage, and he is undergoing physical therapy
“It’s all about long-term preservation and making sure I’m ready not just for the playoffs, but also for the next 15 years,” Embiid said Saturday.
Embiid said he could “for sure” play through the mild tendinitis, but he wanted to rest up for the stretch run and the playoffs. Embiid also dismissed any connection between his soreness and playing 23 minutes in the All-Star Game.