76ers vs. Bulls: How Concerning is Joel Embiid’s Injury?

Joel Embiid is out for the second-straight game on Friday night for the Chicago Bulls.

When the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Chicago Bulls Friday night, they’ll be without their star center Joel Embiid. For the second-straight game, Embiid has been ruled out due to foot soreness.

Sixers head coach Doc Rivers couldn’t offer too much clarity on Embiid’s most recent setback. While the head coach did confirm that Embiid got his foot “looked at,” he didn’t have much to add. Basically, Rivers agreed with the notion that Embiid is considered day-to-day for the Sixers.

After Philadelphia faced the Indiana Pacers without Embiid on Wednesday night, Rivers was asked whether or not Embiid would play on Friday when the Bulls come to South Philly. At the time, Rivers remained unsure of the big man’s status.

“I actually don’t even know, honestly,” said Rivers. “I just knew he was missing the game tonight and literally didn’t ask. I can’t even answer that question.”

Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice reported on Thursday night Embiid’s current absences are a result of the team being cautious midway through the year.

Embiid (left foot, soreness) is out again tomorrow vs. Chicago.

Talked with some people last night and think it’s a situation where he’d probably play if there were real stakes, just being cautious in early January

— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) January 5, 2023

“He’d probably play if there were real stakes, just being cautious in early January.”

By missing Friday’s game, Embiid will sit out for the tenth time this year. His first absence came on October 28, when he dealt with knee soreness ahead of a matchup in Toronto.

Two games later, Embiid started a three-game absence as he dealt with a case of the flu. After staying healthy for six-straight games following the flu, Embiid then suffered a mid-foot sprain, which led to a four-game stretch where he was out.

Embiid returned in late November and proceeded to play throughout the entire month of December. For 16 straight games, the big man was healthy and dominant. However, after injuring his foot during Monday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Embiid has now formed another multi-game absence.

Is the situation ideal? Not exactly, but that doesn’t issue a reason to worry. Following Monday’s game against New Orleans, Embiid was in good spirits and didn’t leave any indication that he was dealing with anything significant. Having the foot soreness to mix with the back soreness he’s been battling for the last week, Embiid is more than likely just getting some much-needed rest and recovery time midway through the year. 

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.