Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Friday night's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets due to left knee injury management, according to Kyle Neubeck of Moneyline. The 2022-23 NBA MVP had previously missed the first six games of the season as part of a maintenance plan related to his surgically repaired left knee.
In addition to injury management, Embiid was sidelined for three games following a suspension after an incident involving a reporter in the locker room. Prior to the start of the season, Embiid and the 76ers organization indicated a commitment to proactively manage his workload, aiming to keep him healthy for the playoffs. This strategy appears to be sound, considering Philadelphia's reliance on their seven-time All-Star to bolster their chances for a championship. However, this early absence has raised concerns about the viability of such a strategy, particularly as the team has struggled in his absence.
As of Embiid's return on November 12, the 76ers had already fallen to eight losses in their first 10 games, including a 111-99 defeat against the New York Knicks where Embiid's presence was not sufficient to secure a win. His missed games have also prompted challenges for the team, particularly evident in a subsequent 114-106 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where the lack of depth was apparent when Embiid did not participate in back-to-back games. The acquisition of Paul George was anticipated to provide a buffer for the team during Embiid's absences; however, George has also experienced delays in availability and is similarly participating in a load management plan. Ultimately, the team's performance in the playoffs will likely determine the assessment of this season, yet the initial enthusiasm surrounding the 76ers has notably diminished in Philadelphia.
