Sixers say Embiid won’t play in preseason, will give update on his left knee originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Joel Embiid’s preseason appearances will drop from one in 2023 to zero in 2024.
In an update issued Sunday by a team official, the Sixers said Embiid will not play in their final three preseason games this year, which are Monday at the Hawks, Wednesday against the Nets and Friday at the Magic. The Sixers’ season opener is set for October 23 against the Bucks in Philadelphia.
Below is the full update from the Sixers:
“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 individualized treatment plan designed to best support his health and well-being for the 2024-25 season. He will not play in the preseason games from this week. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.”
Embiid suffered a left lateral meniscus injury on January 30. He returned for the end of the Sixers’ 2023–24 regular season and played the entirety of their first-round playoff series loss to the Knicks.
The seven-time All-Star center won a gold medal with the US men’s basketball team this summer.
At Sixers media day on Sept. 30, Embiid indicated that he would prioritize being healthy during the playoffs and be more prudent in the pursuit of that goal. He also said he lost “about 25, 30” pounds during the offseason.
“As soon as we lost last year, I texted (Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey) and I said, ‘We have to do whatever it takes to make sure that, in the postseason, I’m healthy.’ This year, there’s no agenda — All-Star, All-NBA, there’s none of that,” Embiid said. “It’s whatever it takes to make sure I get to that point and I’m ready to go. For basically every year of mine career, I was injured in the playoffs. I think that’s the goal. It’s all about doing whatever it takes to get there.
“Physically, I’m fine. I’m not where I want to be, and I know I have their support and they all want the same thing. Until I’m at that point where they feel I’m ready to go, I’m sure they’ll hold me back. … The focus is on whatever it takes to get to that stage and be healthy. I think with the guys we have and what I can bring to the table, we have a pretty good chance.”
With Embiid sitting out the Sixers’ first three exhibition games, head coach Nick Nurse mostly used Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele in the center. The team envisions Drummond as a comfortable, capable starter this season whenever Embiid is sidelined.
