Sixers say Joel Embiid won’t play in preseason, give update on his left knee – NBC Sports Philadelphia

Joel Embiid’s preseason appearances will drop from one in 2023 to zero in 2024.

In an update released Sunday by a team official, the Sixers said Embiid will not play in their final three preseason games this year, Monday at the Hawks, Wednesday against the Nets and Friday at the Magic. The Sixers’ regular season opener is scheduled for October 23 against the Bucks in Philadelphia.

Below is the Sixers’ full update:

“Joel Embiid was examined by doctors on Thursday as part of his left knee treatment. Embiid is making good progress and will continue to participate in an individualized treatment plan designed to best support his health and well-being heading into the 2024-25 season. He will not take part in the preseason games this week. Further updates will be provided as needed.”

Embiid suffered a left lateral meniscus injury on January 30th. He returned at the end of the Sixers’ 2023–24 regular season and played the entire first-round playoff series loss to the Knicks.

The seven-time All-Star center won a gold medal with the U.S. men’s basketball team this summer.

At the Sixers media day on September 30, Embiid indicated that he would prioritize his health in the playoffs and be more cautious in pursuing that goal. He also said he lost “about 25, 30” pounds in the offseason.

“As soon as we lost last year, I texted (Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey) and said, ‘We need to do whatever it takes to make sure I’m healthy for the postseason.’ There’s no agenda this year — All-Star, All-NBA, none of that,” Embiid said. “It’s whatever it takes to make sure I get to that point and I’m ready to go. Basically every single year of my career I got hurt in the playoffs. I think that’s the goal. It’s about doing whatever it takes to get there.

“Physically I’m fine. I’m not where I want to be and I know that I have their support and that they all want the same thing. Until I get to the point where they feel like I’m ready to go, I’m sure they’ll hold me back. … The focus is on everything it takes to get to that stage and be healthy. I think with the guys we have and what I can bring, we have a pretty good chance.”

With Embiid sitting out the Sixers’ first three exhibition games, head coach Nick Nurse primarily used Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele at center. The team sees Drummond as a comfortable, capable starter this season if Embiid is out.