Embiid has right shin soreness, out for Sixers' 1st game after All-Star beak originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Joel Embiid will remain sidelined for the Sixers’ first game after the All-Star break on Thursday night vs. the Hawks.
A team official released the following update on Embiid:
“While participating in a right knee injury management program, Joel Embiid reported soreness in his right shin. Following a consultation with doctors, Embiid has received daily treatment, while progressing through on-court work and strength and conditioning.
“He will be out for tomorrow night’s game vs. Atlanta and re-evaluated ahead of the team’s back-to-back this weekend. Further updates will be provided later this week.”
Embiid missed the Sixers’ last two games before the break with a listing of “right knee injury management.” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said Embiid had experienced soreness in his knee following the team’s Feb. 7 win over the Suns.
According to Nurse, Embiid “was out there a little bit” at the Sixers’ practice Wednesday and “looked pretty good.”
The seven-time All-Star’s improved health and high level of play have been major bright spots for the 30-24 Sixers so far this year. Embiid’s played in 31 games — 12 more than last season — and averaged 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
Other than Embiid, the Sixers had a clean injury report Wednesday night.
Veteran guard Cameron Payne has flown over from Serbia and is getting up to speed with his new team. The suspended Paul George participated in practice, too. Nurse plans to keep George in the mix until he’s back for the home stretch of the regular season.
“Paul’s just in every practice and working,” Nurse said. “That’s really it. I just want to keep him conditioned, keep him sharp. … I would say he’s on the scout team; we’re playing against him a lot.
“I want him involved, I want him in shape. Get in rhythm, get him as sharp as he can be, as healthy as he can be, and be ready to pour it for on the last 10 (games) — and a lot more, hopefully.”