Before suiting up for the preseason games, Joel Embiid confidently said that it would take a lot to stop him from entering the court. However, it seems that the ship has sailed. Sixers fans might need to temper their championship hopes after the team suffered back-to-back losses in preseason games, putting the Philadelphia process in disarray. To make matters worse, the franchise announced something significant that could further derail their preseason preparations.

The news was about none other than their big man Joel Embiid, who would not be a part of the squad for the rest of the pre-season games, as confirmed by the franchise. The announcement came on Sunday after the team lost their second consecutive game in the pre-season without the Cameroonian. NBA Insider, Michael Scotto, stated: “Joel Embiid is out for the remainder of the preseason, 76ers say.” Giving further details of the 7-footer, Scotto wrote, “He was assessed by doctors on Thursday as part of his left knee management. He’s progressing well and will continue to take part in an individual treatment plan designed to best support his health and wellness for the 2024-25 season.” As a result, he is out of the Hawks game tonight and will be for the next one too.

The team struggled in the last two games against the Timberwolves and the Celtics, lacking the balance Embiid typically provides on both ends of the court. The Atlanta Hawks are not in their best shape right now, but so aren’t the Sixers. While they now have Paul George to bring his veteran experience to the team, Embiid’s contributions remain irreplaceable. It was quite evident last season when he was ruled out for a major injury.

The Sixers enjoyed a successful run last season with Embiid at the helm. After dazzling the NBA community with a stunning 70-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs last season, he found himself sidelined for an extended period due to a meniscus injury. As a result, his status as a top contender in the 2024 MVP race quickly faded, and the 76ers struggled to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference standings.

Although Embiid returned to the hardwood before they started their playoff journey, it was too late. The Sixers as well as Embiid would definitely not want that History to be repeated or their championship dream would be crushed again.

Joel Embiid determined to stay healthy in the upcoming postseason tournament

On the Sixers’ media day, Embiid spoke about how being in shape could help him in the playoffs. When a reporter asked him about his weight and knee condition, the 30-year-old said, “I’m alright. I think I lost about 30, 25, 30. So, you know, I still got ways to go. Still wanna lose more, but it’s a process. I think for me and, you know, Daryl would tell you this, as soon as we lost last year, I just texted him. I was like, we gotta do whatever it takes to make sure that, in the post season, I’m healthy.”

The medical team and Embiid are both concerned about the bigger picture. So, would be more focused on getting him up and running before they begin the 2024-25 regular season. For now, the Sixers have to rely on their existing lineup to face the Hawks on Monday. So, while the 76ers appear to struggle in the preseason without Embiid, there is also hope.

The Sixers’ new player Paul George provides a ray of hope after his stunning performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves. George scored 23 points, 6 rebounds, and landed 2 assists. Despite their 111-121 loss to the Wolves, George’s performance stands out. Tyrese Maxey also played well, scoring 21 points. Given this, there is great anticipation that going forward the trio of Embiid, George, and Maxey could form a formidable force.