#joel-embiid

#joel-embiid

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is out for Tuesday night's game against the Boston Celtics due to right knee soreness. He is being evaluated by team doctors, according to the Sixers. Embiid has had several issues with his other knee over the years; he most recently underwent arthroscopic left knee surgery that caused him to miss the second-half of last season.

Embiid will participate in 62 games and average 28 PPG, 10 RPG and 1.5 BPG, making him a fourth- or fifth-round bargain. It is so easy to be pessimistic about Embiid and not only the constant concerns about him staying healthy, but the numbers when he does play. Many forget he averaged 67 games for the 2021 and 2022 seasons and the numbers were fantastic.

McCain was expected to play a significant role for Philadelphia this season, either starting alongside All-Star Tyrese Maxey in the 76ers' backcourt or coming off the bench. McCain's minutes will now go to Quentin Grimes, presuming the restricted free agent eventually comes to an agreement with Philadelphia to return this season, rookie VJ Edgecombe and veteran Kyle Lowry. Philadelphia is already dealing with uncertain injury situations involving both superstar center Joel Embiid and All-Star wing Paul George.