76ers Make Call on Joel Embiid’s Playing Status vs. Heat

The 76ers already know their plans for Christmas Day regarding Joel Embiid's playing status.

The Philadelphia 76ers experienced quite a few injury scares recently. Last Monday, the team lost Nic Batum to a hamstring strain. Two nights later, De’Anthony Melton suffered a thigh injury, which kept him off the floor for the following game.

As the Sixers hosted the Toronto Raptors for the third and final matchup of last week’s slate, they witnessed Joel Embiid tweak his ankle in the first quarter, offering another significant scare for the team.

Fortunately, Embiid’s night didn’t conclude early last Friday. Despite dealing with his setback, Embiid was up for the challenge of finishing up his 35-minute shift against the Raptors. He ended the game by knocking down 52 percent of his shots from the field and making seven of his eight free throws. Once again, Embiid scored over 30 points in the team’s ten-point win against the Raptors.

Despite finishing the game, there was still some level of concern surrounding the big man’s in-game setback. 76ers head coach Nick Nurse mentioned that the Sixers needed to closely monitor Embiid’s ankle over the next few days leading up to the team’s Christmas Day matchup.

When the Sixers returned to the court for a practice session on Saturday, Embiid was not a participant. And when the team faces the Miami Heat on Monday night for their Christmas Day game, he won’t be a participant in that either.

According to a team official, Embiid has been ruled out due to an ankle sprain. The star center did not make the trip to South Beach. Instead, he’ll stay around the team’s facility to undergo treatment on his ankle. 

Additionally, Embiid’s status beyond the Heat matchup is up in the air. Next Wednesday, the Sixers are set to face the Orlando Magic. As of Sunday night, the Sixers have not determined Embiid’s playing status. While they haven’t ruled out the potential of having Embiid join the Sixers on their current trip, the MVP is guaranteed to miss the Christmas Day game, marking his first absence since December 1.