Joel Embiid Sidelined for Thursday's Game Against Bucks

Joel Embiid (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Bucks. The 2022-23 MVP's last campaign was cut short by a meniscal flap tear, sidelining him from late January to early April, resulting in only 39 regular-season appearances in 2023-24. During those games, he averaged 34.7 points on 53/39/88 shooting, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals, making him the No. 1 per-game producer in eight-category formats. Embiid, entering his age-30 season, has a history of injuries, having missed his first two career years and never playing 70 games in a season. The 76ers have acquired Paul George, a high-usage player with his own injury concerns, to replace Tobias Harris. This move is expected to potentially allow Embiid to play fewer minutes and rest more, aiming to preserve him for the playoffs, although the impact of George on Embiid's and Tyrese Maxey's usage is yet to be determined.