Is Joel Embiid playing tonight against Mavericks? Latest injury update on 76ers’ star ahead of matchup (March 29, 2023)
Joel Embiid ended a string of 13 straight appearances as he sat out the Philadelphia 76ers’ 116-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday. “The Process,” who has been dealing with right calf tightness since Mar. 20, was given the night off.
The injury had to be serious enough that the MVP candidate had to sit out a very crucial game. He missed making yet another statement performance against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.
76ers head coach Doc Rivers refused to give any details regarding Embiid’s status for their match-up against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. The superstar center has not reportedly joined the team’s practice heading into their game in Philly.
Embiid may push for a chance to play versus the Mavericks, considering how tight the MVP race has been. He has now missed 14 games this season. Bill Walton (1977-78) is the only player to have won the MVP title in NBA history while missing as many games as Philly's superstar has.
What is Joel Embiid’s status for tonight against the Dallas Mavericks?
The Philadelphia 76ers have ruled Joel Embiid questionable when they host the Dallas Mavericks. He has been playing through right calf tightness since their double overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls last Mar. 20.
The 76ers (49-26) look like they’re a cinch to finish in the top four in the Eastern Conference. They’re 6.5 games ahead of the New York Knicks (43-33), who are in fifth place.
Philadelphia, however, wants to finish their season strong. They are on a three-game losing streak and have lost four of their past five.
After a brutal four-game road trip, Embiid could return to play for the 76ers in Philly against the Dallas Mavericks. He needs to get his team back on track and he can still improve his chances of winning the MVP race.
What is Joel Embiids’ impact on the Philadelphia 76ers?
The Philadelphia 76ers have, on paper, the toughest schedule after the All-Star break. They’ve managed to hold an 11-7 record after facing a brutal schedule. Joel Embiid has been the biggest reason for that.
In the past 13 games he’s been available, he has averaged 34.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 4.7 apg and 2.2 bpg. He has shot 59.7% from the field, including 35.1% from deep.
Embiid was the Eastern Conference Player of the Month in December and January. He could add to that total with the way he has been playing this month.
Embiid recently said in an interview that he’s not gonna feel bad if he loses the MVP for the third straight time. But he has been playing like he has something to prove, particularly against players who say Nikola Jokic is better.
The Philadelphia 76ers are safely in the postseason because of Joel Embiid. How far they can go into the playoffs will be determined by his status and performance.
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