NBA Injury Report: Update on Joel Embiid’s Availability as 76ers Take On The Hawks Tonight

The Sixers will take on the Hawks tonight at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. They are coming off two back-to-back losses against the Knicks and Jazz. This is the third game the Sixers will play against the Hawks this season. Given that they have won the previous two games, they will have an edge over their opponents tonight.

However, big man Joel Embiid‘s presence tonight in the Sixers’ lineup could be hampered because of a swelled left knee. He has already missed Saturday’s 120-109 loss against the Jazz. And fans are in for another bad news and his return tonight looks unlikely.

Embiid will not play tonight

It has been confirmed that Embiid will sit out tonight’s game as he tends to his knee. He missed the practice sessions on Monday and Tuesday as well. Joel ‘The Process’ Embiid did not play Saturday’s game against the Jazz, making tonight the second straight game he will miss. Out of Philly’s 35 games so far, Embiid has played 27 and averaged 34.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks, leading the Sixers’ charts in points, rebounds, and blocks.

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Along with Embiid, Robert Covington (left knee swelling) will miss the game tonight, while De’Anthony Melton (lumbar spine soreness) is questionable. With the absence of the reigning MVP, Tyrese Maxey will have to carry the team’s load. In the starting lineup, we can expect Maxey (PG), Marcus Morris Sr. (SG), Nicolas Batum (PF), Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF), and Paul Reed at the center.

Friday’s game aftermath

Embiid’s knee swelling dates back to the Sixers’ devastating 128-92 loss against the Knicks on Friday where he tweaked his knee. Despite this, he stayed and finished the game with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists over 36 minutes. On Saturday, he woke up with swelling in his left knee and had to miss the game. His exact date of return cannot be ascertained, but we can be hopeful that it won’t be long until his comeback.

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Embiid is currently leading the league in point average (34.6) and is averaging a career-high assist (6.0). As for the Sixers, after a six-game winning streak, they have lost five of their last ten games. They are fairly in good shape, leading the Atlantic Division in the second position. The future doesn’t look too bleak for the Sixers. Embiid’s absence could prove to be a tough pickle, but with Maxey in the lot, they are in expert hands.

Is Embiid en route to another MVP title this season? Or will his injuries hamper this possibility? Share your thoughts!