Joel Embiid Works Out Before Sixers' Game 5 vs. Wizards

Injured Sixers center Joel Embiid got a workout in before Game 5 against the Wizards.
Joel Embiid Works Out Before Sixers' Game 5 vs. Wizards
Joel Embiid Works Out Before Sixers' Game 5 vs. Wizards /

Joel Embiid's fall during Game 4 against the Washington Wizards was a scary one for the Philadelphia 76ers. Although he didn't come off the court right away, Embiid skipped the bench and went straight back to the locker room after almost playing the entire first quarter on Monday.

After getting evaluated in the locker room for the entire second quarter, the Sixers ruled Embiid out for the remainder of the matchup. While it seemed the big man injured his back after the first quarter fall, it was his knee that kept him out.

Following Monday's loss to the Wizards, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers didn't have much more information. However, he did reveal that the veteran big man would undergo an MRI the following day when the Sixers return to Philly.

Embiid's initial MRI results weren't revealed. As the team wanted to get more information from several specialists, the Sixers kept exact details on a diagnosis in the dark while ruling him as doubtful on the injury report for Game 5.

On Wednesday afternoon, the team released an official statement regarding Embiid's status and diagnosis.

"An MRI, which was reviewed by several orthopedic specialists, revealed that Joel Embiid has a small lateral meniscus tear in his right knee.

The injury will be managed with physical therapy and a treatment program. Embiid is out for tonight's game vs. Washington and considered day-to-day."

Although Embiid won't play on Wednesday night and is considered day-to-day moving forward, the All-Star center still made an appearance on the court before Game 5 to get a warmup in.

Shortly before Embiid's warmup session, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers mentioned that he hopes to see the big man back in action soon, but he couldn't say for sure when that could happen. Regardless, the fact that Embiid is able to take the court and get a workout in without a brace is a good sign for the All-Star. 

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_ & Instagram: @JGrassoNBA.


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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA  Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation.  Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association.  Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA