Why is Joel Embiid not playing against Magic? 76ers star's injury & absence explored (Dec. 6)

The Philadelphia 76ers have listed All-Star Joel Embiid as out against the Orlando Magic on Friday. According to the Sixers, Embiid won't play due to his left knee management, which has kept him off the court since Nov. 20 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

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Sixers head coach Nick Nurse gave an update on the 2022-23 MVP on Wednesday. Nurse said they do not intend to shut down the big man for a month or two to give his recurrent injury time to heal completely.

"I don’t think so," coach Nick Nurse said of Embiid possibly being shut down. "It’s that. We’re still trying to get him out there. As you guys know, he was out there today and moving OK and just trying to get him to see where he’s at after a good workout and to see how it reacts and we go tomorrow again. Just as soon as it’s good enough to go, he’s gonna go."

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Nurse stated that there was a possibility that Embiid may participate in the action before their game versus the Magic.

"I think there’s a chance," the coach said. "I think that I can’t sit here and, like, guess it out or anything or give you a percentage, but again, he works out today and he’ll go again tomorrow and see how he feels tomorrow. Then that’ll give you a little more of a likelihood with the game being a day away, but I think there’s a chance he plays. Yeah."

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Embiid has played four games for Philly in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Along with the big man, the Sixers have also listed Adem Bona out due to knee issues and Andre Drummond is questionable.

Also read: Philadelphia 76ers injury report (Dec. 4): Latest update on Joel Embiid and Paul George's status vs Magic

Sixers' revenue taking a hit following Joel Embiid missing games due to injuries

The Sixers have been subject to multiple headlines this season because of Joel Embiid's injuries. His time away from the court has affected, not only the team record of 5-15 but their revenue as well. According to TickPick, tickets for their Friday game were priced at as low as $2 due to Philly's record.

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Embiid wasn't the only player who missed the game as All-Star forward Paul George wasn't present as the team didn't want him to participate in a back-to-back as he has just recovered from a left knee injury.

George has been limited to 10 games due to injuries, averaging 15.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 5.1 apg.

Also read: Joel Embiid injury update: NBA insider shares latest status of 76ers star's availability for game against Pistons

About the author

Reign Amurao specializes in basketball at Sportskeeda, bringing 3 years of experience to his role and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication.

A fervent supporter of the Phoenix Suns, Reign was hooked to their electrifying "Seven-Seconds-Or-Less" offense, which epitomizes high-paced and high-intensity basketball. For Reign, Steve Nash is the ultimate floor general, and he believes Boris Diaw could've been the next Magic Johnson if he had a bit more discipline.

From Reign's perspective, Anthony Edwards is a 90s player stuck in modern times, and Gregg Popovich is an ultimate winner with unparalleled success and leadership in the sport.

Reign's expertise lies in NBA history, particularly the significant moments and trends of the 2000s and 2010s. He prioritizes in-depth research using only credible sources to maintain accuracy in his articles, and avoids misleading topics.

Beyond basketball, Reign enjoys gaming with friends and watches comedy shows and films.

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Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.