Embiid Cleared, Scores 31 Points in Loss to Bulls Amidst Knee Management

Joel Embiid (knee) was cleared to play Friday against the Bulls, shedding his questionable tag due to injury management. He suited up for his second consecutive game, registering 31 points (10-19 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 9-9 FT), five rebounds, one assist, and one block across 32 minutes in the 109-102 loss. His five rebounds were a season-low, and he's reached the 30-point mark only twice this season. In five December appearances, he averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks.