So much for having training camp and preseason games to help Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George start to work out their chemistry.
Joel Embiid is out for the remainder of the preseason, the 76ers announced Sunday. From the official release:
“As part of his management of his left knee, Joel Embiid was evaluated by doctors on Thursday. Embiid is progressing well and will continue to participate in an individual treatment plan designed to best support his health and well-being for the 2024-25 season. He will not play in this -weekly preseason games Further updates will be provided as appropriate.
It’s unclear if Embiid will return before the 76ers open their season Oct. 23 against Milwaukee, nine days away, but he reportedly hasn’t played any 5-on-5 in practice yet. Embiid said he lost 25-30 pounds this season to improve his conditioning and avoid future injuries.
Embiid played in just 39 games last season mainly due to a left meniscus injury. He was back in time for the 76ers epic first-round playoff series against the Knicks, and put up impressive numbers despite being obviously slowed by the injury. Embiid also played for Team USA during the Paris Olympics but was clearly still hampered by the knee problem.
The 76ers have to play the long game here, they are a threat to the Boston Celtics at the top of the East but only if they can get Embiid and George – two guys with relevant injury histories – to the playoffs healthy and ready to roll. That said, any delays that keep Embiid off the court also delay the development of this core, something else they ultimately need to get past the second round and make the NBA Finals.
