"That's how long Nikola Jokic sleeps" - NBA fans abuzz over Joel Embiid's minute restriction in his 76ers season debut game

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will make his season debut on Tuesday against the New York Knicks in the Emirates NBA Cup. The Sixers coach, Nick Nurse, announced that he'll be restricted to 25-30 minutes against the Knicks as a precautionary measure for his injury management.

After fans saw the announcement, they trolled the 2023 MVP on X (formerly Twitter).

"Thats how long Jokic sleeps fam," one fan said.

"That’s enough for him to shoot 30 free throws," another fan said.

"Fastest player to draw 15 fouls in 25 mins," one fan said.

Other fans talked about their parlays regarding Embiid.

"Parlays across America get ready to be cooked," one fan commented.

"Aw f**k I put him on my parlay for 40 points," another fan said.

"Say this after I place my parlay 💔💔," one fan said.

The Sixers star was filmed walking to the team's locker room at Wells Fargo Center. Embiid missed the first six games as the team managed his knee injury. He missed three more games after the league him following an altercation with a Philly columnist.

The columnist, Marcus Hayes, wrote about the star player's family, which led to the confrontation. Embiid's three-game suspension ended after Sunday's 107-105 win against the Charlotte Hornets.

Despite playing in just 39 games last season, Embiid averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists. Due to injury, he missed the majority of the 2023–24 season. He had knee surgery after tearing the meniscus in his left knee in January.

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Nick Nurse talked about managing Joel Embiid's minutes for his first game this season

The Sixers (2-7) are in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference standings. While they missed Joel Embiid's presence to start the season, he wasn't the only star player sidelined once the campaign began.

All-Star forward Paul George missed the first five games of the season due to a preseason knee injury. George debuted on Nov. 4 against the Phoenix Suns and only played for 31 minutes.

Ahead of their NBA Cup game against the Knicks, Nurse plans to limit Embiid's time on the court.

“I think there is similar to what Paul started out the other day. The 25-30-ish range, give or take,” Nurse said.

“It’s important (to get him back). We’ve had our struggles without him. It’s important for us to get into some phase of figuring out what we look like with those guys all out there and how that moves the other pieces around as well. Try to start building some chemistry.”

With their All-Star center back, the Sixers aim to earn their third win of the season.