Joel Embiid injury update: What's the issue ailing Philadelphia 76ers star and will he be able to play in the All-Star game
Joel Embiid has continued his MVP campaign this season, averaging 33.3 points per game, the second most in the league behind Luka Doncic. Despite that, Embiid has missed 13 games this season. While there have been some questions about his health recently as he manages left foot soreness, he has continued to dominate.
With the 76ers fighting for a spot in the stacked Eastern Conference, Embiid's health will be one of the biggest stories in Philadelphia going forward. Given that he is already an All-Star starter, it will be interesting to see how the league handles the situation. There is no guarantee whether he will turn up for the All-Star game with Embiid taking things day by day.
Embiid dominated February after missing four games in January. He recently dominated the Knicks, tallying 35 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks. He was questionable prior to the game due to foot soreness.
It's more of the same as Embiid and the 76ers prepare to face Ben Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Embiid is questionable again due to foot pain. Unfortunately, Embiid may miss the All-Star game as a result of his injury. He told reporters following the Knicks victory on Friday:
“I’ll see. Every game I’ve been questionable. It’s all about seeing how it feels. I got three more games to go so just trying to get there and try and get a little break to make sure that I give it some time.”
“In time, it’s gonna get better. The goal is to be ready for the second half of the season and the playoffs so that’s what I intend to do. Just take care of myself and make sure I’m in the best position possible to be able to succeed for the next couple weeks.”
Joel Embiid's lingering foot injury
Joel Embiid has continued to battle through his foot injury this season. Earlier in the year, Embiid also dealt with the issue, leaving many with great concern for the postseason.
The way head coach Doc Rivers explained things in late January, the team wanted to make sure that they got things right with the superstar's foot. Given that it was a repeat of the same issue earlier in the season, the team has wanted to make sure they get things right.
In late January, Rivers spoke about the situation, saying:
“We’ll see how he progresses. It’s the same thing and we just want to make sure it’s right. If it’s right, he plays. If it’s not, we’ll wait another game and see where he’s at.”
Since then, Embiid has continued to remain day-to-day. Should he wind up sitting out the All-Star weekend, an extended break could give him some much-needed rest. As the Philadelphia 76ers sit in third place in a stacked Eastern Conference, they will need Embiid at his best if they have hopes of making it deep into the playoffs.
With the addition of Jalen McDaniels, how do you see the remainder of the year going for Philly?