Is Joel Embiid playing tonight against Pacers? Latest injury update on Sixers’ star ahead of matchup (18th March 2023)

Joel Embiid put up a masterpiece against the Charlotte Hornets last night. He played just 29 minutes and finished with 38 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and four blocks. Embiid was so dominant and the Philadelphia 76ers’ performance so overwhelming that Doc Rivers kept him on the bench after the third quarter.

Rivers probably wanted to give the superstar big man as much rest as possible because of their schedule. After their game in Charlotte, they had to travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers on the second night of a back-to-back set.

The Philadelphia 76ers have not yet submitted an injury report, but Joel Embiid will likely be available tonight. Philly’s big win and Embiid’s efficient night, where he was 16-for-21 from the field, gave him all the rest he possibly wanted for the matchup against the Pacers.

Tonight’s battle between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Indiana Pacers will be the fourth and last time this season. Joel Embiid’s team is unbeaten against them. Fans, though, can expect the Pacers to go all out for a win.

Indiana is desperately trying to push their way into the playoffs via the play-in tournament. A win over the 76ers can certainly boost their chances of doing just that.

Also read: Exclusive: Joel Embiid "may have been lobbying for the MVP," says NBA insider

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What is Joel Embiid’s status tonight against the Indiana Pacers?

The NBA hasn’t received the Philadelphia 76ers' injury report yet as they just came off a win versus the Charlotte Hornets last night. They will be sending the official injury list later today.

Considering Joel Embiid played just 29 minutes last night in drubbing the Hornets, he should be good to go against the Indiana Pacers. Unless the 76ers want to err with caution and manage his load, the All-Star center should be leading his squad against the home team.

The MVP race is also heating up with Embiid and Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic neck-and-neck for the award. "JoJo" might want to keep his momentum going by playing as often as possible.

If for whatever reason the 76ers will sideline him, Embiid should be back on March 20 in Philly against the Chicago Bulls.

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What is Joel Embiid’s impact on the Philadelphia 76ers?

Arguably, no one has been as dominating as “The Process” over the past few months. He won the Eastern Conference player of the month in December and January. Embiid is likely to win the award again after March flips to April.

The Philadelphia 76ers were supposed to have the toughest schedule past the All-Star break. They’re currently 9-3, including a seven-game winning streak because of Embiid.

During Philly’s winning run, he is averaging 37.0 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 4.7 apg and 2.7 bpg. He was unquestionably the best player during this stretch and it’s not even close. Embiid’s dominance is so glaring on both ends of the floor that several analysts are already crowning him the MVP.