It has been a tough month for Joel Embiid due to a shin injury and load management of his right knee. The Philadelphia 76ers announced important news about Embiid ahead of their matchup with the Miami Heat on Thursday night.
Embiid returned to the Sixers lineup on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers and dominated in just 26 minutes. He finished with 27 points, six rebounds and five assists to lead Philly to a 135-114 win. He also shot 11-for-17 from the field and was just a tough cover for Jay Huff and Micah Potter.
It was Embiid’s first game since February 7, when he had 33 points and nine rebounds in a win over the Phoenix Suns. The Sixers held him out in the final two games before the NBA All-Star break and the first two after due to a sore right shin and load management of his surgically repaired right knee.
Embiid’s Status vs. Heat
According to the Philadelphia 76ers’ official injury report , Joel Embiid has been listed as probable for the matchup against the Miami Heat . Embiid’s injury remains the same, with his right shin and right knee.
It’s good news for Sixers fans since Embiid will likely get upgraded to available before tip-off unless something drastic happens during the pregame shootaround. He’ll be playing in his first home game since the Sixers beat the New Orleans Pelicans on January 31.
In addition to the former NBA MVP, four more players are on the Sixers’ injury report. Paul George is not injured, but he’s listed as out as he continues to serve a 25-game suspension. Johni Broome is also out due to a torn right meniscus, while MarJon Beauchamp is doubtful because of his status as a two-way player.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is available to play despite dealing with a left knee injury. He’s expected to continue wearing a brace.
Nick Nurse Comments on Embiid’s First Game Back
Speaking to reporters after the win over the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse shared his thoughts on Joel Embiid’s first game since February 7.
Nurse was pretty happy with the big man’s performance, though he noticed an issue with his conditioning, which was understandable.
“I think it was a good opportunity for him to get out there and get some minutes under his belt,” Nurse said, via USA Today’s Sixers Wire . “Obviously, good to see the rhythm and touch offensively. I think, again, there’s some, probably a little bit of conditioning and stuff lost there. So, it’s good to probably get a good amount of minutes for him to play tonight, but good to see him back out there for sure.”
Embiid has only played in 32 games so far this season, averaging 26.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 blocks on 49.8% shooting.
Embiid’s Stats vs. Heat
Joel Embiid has played a total of 19 regular-season games against the Miami Heat in his career. Embiid has a losing record of 8-11 versus Miami, averaging 23.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks.
He’ll be going up against the likes of Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware , who are likely to give him harder time than the Pacers’ frontcourt on Tuesday.
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