Joel Embiid, having played through injuries to give his team a winning chance in the past years, now believes it is not right to specify a date for his return. And why is that? Simply due to circumstances being “unpredictable.” Hence, the 2023 MVP claims “it would be kind of foolish” to provide a set date because he is “getting back, obviously, into game shape.” 

Well, Embiid has stayed true to his word in this respect, because the latest update on the Sixers superstar sings the same tune. According to Harrison Grimm of Liberty Ballers (SB Nation), the 7-footer remains sidelined due to injury management.

“Joel Embiid (injury management) is out for tomorrow’s game in Phoenix,” Grimm tweeted on X.

He also noted, “Paul George has been upgraded to questionable for tomorrow’s game.”

PG’s probable return seems to be the only thing that’s keeping the Philly crowd sane. The Clippers matchup following the Suns has also heightened the interest in George’s return. As you know, his exit from LA wasn’t pleasant (that’s putting it mildly). As such, the veteran forward’s homecoming is certainly going to garner quite the attention.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Joel Embiid. The attention is definitely there. Just not the good kind. During media day, the Cameroonian center expressed his determination to bring a title to the ‘City of Champions,’ ending its 41-year barren streak.

In fact, the 7x All-Star asserted that it would take his medical team and teammates holding him back to keep him from leading the franchise on the court. Those words, however, are yet to materialize.

Considering his remarks about sacrificing a lot for Philly only to be treated this way, along with his altercation with sports columnist Marcus Hayes—the source of his aggravation—and his continued absence, things are certainly not looking good for Joel Embiid.

On a different note, why don’t we take a look at the Sixers’ depth chart?

The depth chart of Joel Embiid & Co. as they face KD, Booker, and Beal

The 2x scoring champion might stay off the floor, but there are no two ways about the fact that the 76ers are still his team. And when healthy, there is no stopping the 30-year-old. While the past partnerships have failed, Philly’s 2020 No.21 pick rose as the X factor for the franchise and has since been a true champion with or without Embiid.

And now, alongside Tyrese Maxey, they have All-Star forward Paul George in the squad, making them one of the most intimidating two-way trios in the league. But, of course, the most crucial part—actually being on the floor—remains a question mark.

That said, here’s the depth chart for the Sixers.

Philadelphia is currently 1-4 this season, with a particularly rough loss to the Grizzlies (124-107). However, the more disappointing defeat may have been to the Pistons (105-95). The team’s only saving grace right now is the probable debut of PG-13.

Hopefully, after the 10:15 PM ET tip-off, the 76ers can make it out of Footprint Arena in one piece.