It seems Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid just cannot escape the injury bug.
Well, sort of. Embiid is not expected to travel with the team during their preseason road trip, as noted by Sixers coach Nick Nurse.
“He’s not here,” Nurse said. “He’s at a scheduled assessment of his knee. That was always on the schedule. We are still waiting for what’s next.”
If the assessment was always intended to occur during preseason, then there's no reason to worry, right? NBA fans found a way.
There is essentially no reason for the 30-year-old to appear in the preseason, as it simply chances an injury scare like the one to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. Still, the community was frustrated that Embiid is already dealing with injury.
"Knee issues already I’m sure this will be a headache all season," one user wrote.
"Same story, new year. I don’t think it matters because the Celtics will repeat," another posted.
Embiid playing in the 2024 Paris Olympics was a major talking point, as fans split on its impact. Some claimed the 76ers center shouldn't have played for Team USA in the first place while others used it to show how little meaning being away from the team in preseason means.
"Embiid played in the Olympics and everyone is nervous he isn’t playing in the preseason? lol," one fan said.
Alternatively, newly acquired Sixers star Paul George is expected to debut this evening against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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