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Sixers' Joel Embiid sidelined with back tightness

This marks the fifth game Joel Embiid has missed this season.

Joel Embiid (21) will sit out his second consecutive game.
Joel Embiid (21) will sit out his second consecutive game.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer

NEW ORLEANS — So much for Joel Embiid's expected matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The 76ers center was a late scratch from Sunday's game because of back tightness. This comes one day after Embiid sat out during a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers because he hasn't been cleared to play on consecutive nights. While they wouldn't say it publicly, the Sixers thought Embiid would have a better matchup with the Pelicans' Twin Towers tandem of DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis.  The Cavaliers play with a small lineup that draws opposing centers away from the basket.

However, Embiid missed both matchups. This marks the fifth game this season that he has been sidelined..