Unfortunate Joel Embiid Trend Continues for 76ers-Pelicans

Joel Embiid will continue missing action against the Pelicans.

Jan 2, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) dribbles the ball against New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Nearly all season long, the Philadelphia 76ers have been questioning Joel Embiid’s playing status on a game-by-game basis. While the Sixers’ seven-time All-Star big man revealed an injury management plan would be in place for the 2024-2025 NBA season, a lack of specifics up front caused the actual reveal to be much more surprising.

The fact of the matter is that Embiid’s availability has been very inconsistent this season. Unfortunately, a lot of that has to do with issues piling on top of other issues.

Embiid’s most recent setback will keep the unfortunate trend alive for Friday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Joel Embiid (foot) practices Thursday.

— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) January 9, 2025

First, Embiid had a string of absences to rest the knee that he received surgery on one year ago. When Embiid targeted a return in early November after missing his first six games of the season, a suspension took the big man off the court for three more games.

By the time Embiid was back on the floor for his debut on November 12, he had joined the team during the first leg of a back-to-back set. Embiid would miss the following game, making it 10 absences in 11 games.

After being active for a three-game stretch, Embiid’s knee caused more concern. With swelling and soreness in play, according to Nick Nurse, Embiid would go on to miss a seven-game stretch.

In his second game back against the Indiana Pacers, Embiid suffered a facial injury. He was diagnosed with a sinus fracture. Although Embiid’s original timeline was one week of recovery, he was back on the court sporting a facemask after missing just one game of action.

Dec 25, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) holds the ball against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Ahead of the Sixers’ Christmas Day matchup against the Boston Celtics, Embiid was seen getting tripped up during his pregame warmups. It’s believed that Embiid’s recent foot sprain might’ve stemmed from that moment. Moving forward, Embiid stayed on the Sixers’ injury report due to the sinus fracture and the foot sprain.

Following the Celtics matchup, Embiid played in four of the five games leading up to the Phoenix Suns matchup on Monday. He was questionable before the Phoenix matchup and was eventually ruled out. Ahead of the Washington Wizards and Pelicans games, the Sixers made the early call on Embiid’s status.

Friday’s absence will mark the third in a row for Embiid. At this point, he has just 13 games under his belt in soon-to-be 36 games. During that stretch, Embiid has averaged 24 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

Will Paul George Return to the Lineup?

After missing the All-Star duo of Joel Embiid and Paul George on Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards, the Philadelphia 76ers are likely to get healthier on Friday night against New Orleans.

Recently, the veteran forward Paul George began experiencing groin tightness. While his setback flew under the radar initially, George was downgraded on the Sixers’ injury report ahead of the Wednesday night matchup. He missed his first set of action since December 4.

Fortunately, the Sixers saw Paul George return to the practice court on Thursday. When they submitted their injury report for the battle against the Pelicans, George was upgraded to probable.

Paul George (groin) practices Thursday.

— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) January 9, 2025

The 2024-2025 NBA season hasn’t treated George well on the health front. During the preseason, the veteran forward dealt with a bruised knee. After getting shut down for the rest of the preseason after appearing in his second game, George missed the first five games of the regular season.

For the next nine of 10 games after making his debut on November 4, George was healthy and on the court. During the November 20 matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, George checked out after 17 minutes. Once again, he was dealing with a bruised knee.

George went on to miss three games in a row. After returning on November 30 against the Detroit Pistons, the Sixers have had an opportunity to see George involved in plenty of action.

Since December 3, George has competed in 15 outings. He’s been shooting 36 percent from three, averaging 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

If all goes right on Friday, George could get cleared to play against the Pelicans. New Orleans and Philadelphia will go toe-to-toe at 7 PM ET.

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