Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid falls to the court in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid missed a second consecutive game Sunday, managing swelling in his left knee, the team said.
The 76ers issued a statement on the condition of the 2023 NBA MVP at halftime of the team’s NBA Cup win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, saying the decision to sideline Embiid was made along with the team’s medical staff. Embiid was ruled out prior to Friday’s game against the Nets due to what the team described as left knee injury maintenance. The Sixers host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
Article continues after this advertisement“Joel Embiid is managing swelling in his left knee,” the team’s statement said. “In consultation with the team’s medical staff, Embiid missed tonight’s game and will also miss Sunday’s game. He is receiving treatments and further updates on his status will be provided early next week.”
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Embiid joined Paul George on the sidelines Friday night. George suffered a left knee bone bruise in Wednesday’s game and will be out until next week, at the earliest.
Article continues after this advertisementThe third part of the 76ers’ projected “Big Three” — guard Tyrese Maxey — returned against Memphis after missing two weeks with a hamstring injury. Embiid, Maxey and George have played together in just one game this season.
Article continues after this advertisement READ: NBA: Joel Embiid returns to full-time duty but 76ers fall to 2-10Embiid missed Philadelphia’s first 10 games due to knee management and a three-game suspension and has been sidelined for 11 of 15 games this season.
Article continues after this advertisementThe 30-year-old Embiid was limited to 39 games last season, mostly because of knee surgery after tearing the meniscus in his left knee on Jan. 30 against Golden State.
Embiid, who helped the U.S. win gold in the Paris Olympics, signed a $193 million contract ahead of training camp and skipped the entire preseason.
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