With Joel Embiid sidelined for the rest of the NBA preseason, one of the biggest questions facing Philadelphia 76ers fans is whether their star center will be ready for the start of the regular season. Speaking to the media, head coach Nick Nurse offered an update on Embiidâs availability for Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
âOpening nightâs still a long way away ⊠but we are right on course with the plan weâve kind of set out,â Nurse told reporters, according to The Philadelphia Inquirerâs Gina Mizell.
With just eight days remaining until the Sixersâ season opener, Nurse remained composed about Embiidâs progress. Not only Embiid, but the teamâs goal is to stick to a long-term plan to keep the star fit for the playoffs stage.
With this statement, Nurse subtly revealed how Embiidâs situation forced the team to develop a containment plan around the star. âThe Processâ is conscious about his fitness, taking a career decision about playing games back-to-back to help his recovery during the season.
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers heads for the bench as he is greeted by Nick Nurse in the overtime period against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 30, 2024 in New York City. The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 112-106 in overtime.
Joel Embiidâs injury situation
Embiidâs current situation dates back to January 30, when he was forced to leave a game against the Golden State Warriors after sustaining a left knee injury in the final quarter. Subsequent evaluations revealed a meniscus tear, requiring surgery to address the issue.
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NBA News: Sixers reveal serious reason Joel Embiid will miss the rest of preseason
Despite featuring for a bunch of games for the Sixers, Embiid wasnât a regular in the team. In recent months, he has been undergoing regular assessments to monitor his knee, and the Sixers hope those efforts will pay off when the season begins.
Update on Sixersâ Paul George injury
The Sixers faced another injury concern on Monday when Paul George hyperextended his left knee during a game against the Atlanta Hawks. However, the outlook is more positive than initially feared. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, George has a bone bruise with no structural damage and will be re-evaluated in about a week.
âPG was here today, got it looked at again, and everything checks out okay. Heâll do some further imaging this afternoon to ensure thereâs nothing else, but he was in good spirits,â Nurse said following Tuesdayâs practice.
