Embiid drawing criticism for sitting out 76ers' opener as part of health plan to reach the playoffs
Joel Embiid’s absence from the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener against Milwaukee is simply part of the team’s plan to keep the two-time NBA scoring champion on track for a healthy season
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid's absence from the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener against Milwaukee is simply part of the team's plan to keep the two-time NBA scoring champion on track for a healthy season — and maybe, for the first time in his career, the playoffs.
Embiid was ruled out against Milwaukee as part of what the Sixers call left knee management, and the 7-footer seems poised to sit out road games Friday at Toronto and Sunday at Indiana, a decision that opened Embiid and the team to criticism.
Paul George was scratched from his debut with the Sixers. The five-time All-NBA selection left the Clippers and signed a four-year, $212 million contract as a free agent this summer. But, the 34-year-old George sustained a bone bruise when he hyperextended his left knee in the preseason. George will be reevaluated later in the week.
The oft-injured Embiid, however, has been blasted by former players, media and unhappy fans on social media for sitting out opening night — after not playing in the preseason due to a sore left knee.
