76ers vs. Pelicans: Joel Embiid's Playing Status Changes

Joel Embiid has been scratched from Wednesday's game between the 76ers and the Pelicans.

The Philadelphia 76ers will miss a key starter on Wednesday night when they face the New Orleans Pelicans.

According to the team’s injury report, Joel Embiid has been ruled out with an illness. Therefore, the All-Star center is set to miss his second game within a week’s time.

With Embiid out of the mix on Wednesday, the Sixers will roll out a starting five of Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, Tobias Harris, Nic Batum, and Marcus Morris. Embiid’s usual backup, Paul Reed will continue his role coming off the bench.

This season, Joel Embiid is once again putting together an MVP campaign. Appearing in the Sixers’ first 14 games of the year, the big man has averaged 32 points on 50 percent shooting from the field. He’s also averaged 11 rebounds per game, along with six assists.

Last week, Embiid missed his first game of the season when the Sixers paid a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves. On the second night of a back-to-back, Embiid and the Sixers were coming off an overtime loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

After spending 41 minutes on the floor, which marked a season-high, Embiid admitted he might get the night off in Minnesota as he had been dealing with hip soreness lately. Leading up to the following game on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Embiid was upgraded to probable. He was cleared for action and spent 37 minutes on the floor in the four-point win in OKC.

On Monday, Embiid checked in for his team’s blowout victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. He shot 60 percent from the field, scoring 30 points in 30 minutes. Embiid made it a triple-double with 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

Unfortunately, he won’t get an opportunity to follow-up in New Orleans on Wednesday. Dealing with an illness, he’ll get the night off. The Sixers are set to travel to take on the Boston Celtics on Friday. Embiid’s status for that game is now unclear.