76ers Injury Update: Why Joel Embiid Could Miss Tonight’s Game vs Hornets?

The Philadephia 76ers will look to maintain their four-game winning streak tonight against the Charlotte Hornets. However, tensions are high as there are uncertainties regarding star player Joel Embiid’s presence in the lineup. The latest developments suggest that the former MVP is listed as questionable for tonight’s game. According to an X post by Underdog NBA, “Joel Embiid (injury recovery) listed questionable Saturday.” Embiid is dealing with a left knee inflammation and the team is probably sidelining Joel to avoid using him in back-to-back games.

He played the Sixers’ previous game vs the Magic on Friday and finished with 36 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and four steals in 31 minutes. It shouldn’t be a surprise if he sits out tonight’s game as a precautionary measure to not aggravate the injured knee.

Who could replace the injury-stricken Embiid tonight?

In case the Sixers pull through with the decision to not play Embiid, Paul Reed could take his place in the starting lineup as the center. With De’Anthony Melton (back) out, Kelly Oubre Jr. will fill in as the small guard. That leaves us with Tyrese Maxey (PG), Tobias Harris (SF), and Nicolas Batum (PF). Patrick Beverly (illness) has been listed as day-to-day in the Sixers injury list.

Joel Embiid’s injuries have always been one of the biggest concerns for any team he has played in. This season, he has missed 10 games so far, due to injuries mostly related to his knee and ankle. Throughout his career, Embiid has never appeared in all 82 games of a season. Last season was a good one for the superstar, who clocked in 66 games, missing only 16. However, given the course of events, there is a high possibility that the number will increase this year.

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Despite this, big man Embiid is still leading the league in points (35.1) and continues to top Philly’s charts in rebounds (11.4), and blocks (1.9). His numbers look great this season; if the injuries do not hold him down, the former MVP could have one of his best seasons yet, and maybe even pocket a back-to-back MVP title while leading the Sixers into the playoffs. Philly is still one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference with a 27-13 record, but they need Embiid to stay healthy for any magic to happen.