Joel Embiid’s latest injury will sideline him for the Sixers’ next four games
The All-Star center will be re-evaluated in approximately one week as he continues to recover from a right oblique strain, the 76ers announced Friday afternoon.
Joel Embiid will be reevaluated in approximately one week as he continues to recover from an oblique strain in his right side, the 76ers announced Friday afternoon.
Embiid, who has missed the last three games with the injury, will remain on the sideline as the Sixers travel to face the Hawks on Saturday night in Atlanta. Embiid has started individualized strength and conditioning work but has not participated in on-court practices.
Including Saturday night’s game against Atlanta, the Sixers will play four games before Embiid is expected to be reevaluated next Friday.
» READ MORE: A timeline of Joel Embiid's injuries with the Sixers
“I don’t think we’re too far away from him getting on the court,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse said.
VJ Edgecombe was listed as doubtful for Saturday night’s game on the team’s official injury report. The rookie guard did not participate in Friday’s practice, but he did go through an on-court session.
Edgecombe was injured in the final seconds of the first half of the Sixers’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday at Xfinity Mobile Arena. He was ruled out of Wednesday night’s win over the Utah Jazz with a back bruise. The Sixers will get back one starter for Saturday night’s game, as Kelly Oubre Jr. will return after missing back-to-back games against San Antonio and Utah with an illness.
Oubre, a starting wing in his 10th NBA season, has averaged 14.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 38 games this season. Edgecombe has played in 57 of the Sixers’ 62 games this season, averaging 15.3 points and 5.5 rebounds.
Embiid has played 33 games this season, averaging 26.6 points and 7.5 rebounds. The Sixers remain without Paul George, who will be eligible to return from his 25-game suspension for violating the league’s antidrug policy on March 25.
» READ MORE: Breaking down Sixers’ final 20 games: Paul George’s (and Jared McCain’s) return, Joel Embiid’s injury and more