Is Joel Embiid playing tonight vs. Magic? Latest update on 76ers star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Star center Joel Embiid has missed seven consecutive games for the Philadelphia 76ers due to right knee soreness and that streak will continue against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night. Embiid has been officially ruled out of the NBA Cup contest against Orlando.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJoel Embiid ruled out vs. Magic due to knee soreness
Embiid's extended absence is obviously a cause for concern. He had surgery on his left knee over the offseason, but it's his right knee that has been bothering him recently. Imaging revealed no structural damage to the knee, but the issue is obviously serious enough to keep him sidelined for an extended period of time.
Availability, or lack thereof, has been the biggest knock against Embiid over the course of his career, and so far this season it's been the same old story. Embiid has appeared in just six games on the current campaign and is averaging 19.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per performance.
It isn't just Embiid, either. The Sixers are going to be extremely shorthanded against Orlando as Paul George, Adem Bona, Kelly Oubre and V.J. Edgecombe have also all been ruled out of the game for Philly due to various injury issues.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMeanwhile, Orlando will be without star forward Paolo Banchero due to a groin strain that he suffered earlier this month against the New York Knicks. It will be the seventh consecutive game missed for Banchero.
This story will be updated.
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