The Philadelphia 76ers have confirmed that center Joel Embiid will sit out the remainder of the preseason due to left knee management concerns.
Last week, Embiid did not accompany the Sixers on their two road games. As stated by the team on Sunday, their primary objective is to implement a tailored treatment plan aimed at ensuring Embiid’s health and longevity throughout the season.
With three preseason games left, fans are hopeful that Embiid will return to the court when the Sixers kick off their regular season on October 23 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
At 30 years old, Embiid, who earned an Olympic gold medal with Team USA, recently signed a lucrative $193 million contract before the start of training camp. The 76ers have struggled to progress beyond the second round of the playoffs since 2001, a situation often linked to Embiid’s inability to maintain his health during critical postseason games.
Last season, the 76ers boasted an impressive 31-8 record with Embiid on the roster, reflecting a pace that would translate to approximately 65 wins over a full season. Conversely, without him, the team faltered, finishing with a disappointing 16-27 record.