#joel-embiid

#joel-embiid

PHILADELPHIA -- Joel Embiid reported soreness in his right shin over the All-Star break and will miss the Philadelphia 76ers' game against Atlanta on Thursday night. The Sixers said Embiid experienced the soreness while participating in a right knee injury management program over the break. Following a consultation with doctors, Embiid has received daily treatment, while progressing through on-court work and strength and conditioning. Embiid will be evaluated again ahead of the Sixers' back-to-back road games, Saturday at New Orleans and Sunday at Minnesota.

Trailing 68-65, New York's star big man picked up his fourth foul during a futile afternoon in which he was forced to guard Sixers star Joel Embiid for significant stretches just 1:36 into the third quarter. While Embiid scored 38 points with 11 rebounds, Robinson's second-half introduction turned the game on its head in the Knicks' favor. The visitors immediately went on a 25-9 run in which Robinson helped hold Embiid scoreless for that entire stretch.

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.