Joel Embiid seems to yet again be struggling with his knees, as the Philadelphia big man has been ruled out for the remaining games in preseason to ‘support his health and wellness’.
Joel Embiid Ruled Out Of Preseason
The Philadelphia 76ers have fresh injury concerns as the 2024 NBA tip off closes in with Joel Embiid reportedly sidelined for their remaining preseason matches this month.
Embiid has struggled with injuries throughout his career and last season was no different, but in the playoffs things appeared to take a turn for the worse for the seven-time All Star.
Philadelphia’s main man was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy following a 50-point game in the playoffs last year, which has resulted in paralysis of his face, migraines and blurred vision.
“[My] eye is consistently dry. [Vision] is blurry at times. Always gotta keep drops in it. It’s really unfortunate.”
Joel Embiid on the Bell’s Palsy that’s affected his vision and the left side of his face: pic.twitter.com/uU17eHPYd7
— Dan Olinger (@dan_olinger) April 26, 2024
Although he returned to the lineup shortly after leaving against the Knicks, Embiid still clearly hadn’t fully recovered and the Sixers were eventually eliminated in the first round by New York.
Embiid’s season didn’t end when the 2023 NBA campaign finished earlier this year though, with the Philadelphia star heading to Paris to represent team USA at the Olympic Games.
At the Olympics Embiid continued to play an important role for team USA, helping his nation to a gold medal in Paris with 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 block per game across five starts.
But playing the entire 2023 season on top of the Olympics has clearly taken its toll on Embiid, who has now been ruled out of preseason with the same knee injury he struggled with last year.
Joel Embiid (injury management) out for rest of preseason.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) October 13, 2024
The team released a statement following Embiid’s recent injury news, saying: “Embiid is progressing well and will continue to take part in an individual treatment plan designed to best support his health and wellness for the 2024-2025 season.”
It is unclear yet as to whether or not Embiid’s injury concerns will carry into the regular season, but he will definitely miss out on the Sixers’ remaining warmup games against the Hawks, Nets and Magic. The Sixers welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to Wells Fargo Center in their season opener on Wednesday 23rd of October.
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