NBA Rumors: Embiid On Hold As Philly Preserves Him For Playoffs

The Philadelphia 76ers need all the help they can get as they try to move up in the Eastern Conference standings. One player who could make a difference is Joel Embiid. The Cameroonian has missed several games due to a shoulder injury and it appears he will get extended time off.

The Sixers will face the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, a game that they are expected to win. Like Philly, the Motor City squad is also dealing with a depleted roster. But unlike the 76ers, a win is not as essential with Detroit practically out of the playoff picture. But a win could be a big spoiler and something the Indiana Pacers would appreciate.

Currently at the sixth spot in the NBA Eastern Conference, a win against Detroit would help Philly draw abreast with the Pacers. Tobias Harris and Al Horford are still around for head coach Brett Brown but having Embiid back would be added insurance. Unfortunately, the Sixers are not taking any chances and will reportedly continue to sit out the All-Star center, according to Sixers insider Jon Johnson.

Looking ahead, the good news is that Embiid and Josh Richardson are on track to recover from their respective injuries. Both were spotted back at practice according to Tim Bontemps, but their actual return to active duty remains up in the air. Of the two, the extended time away raises some concerns on Embiid.

After suffering a shoulder injury, most were holding their breath and hoping it was nothing serious. The good news is that no surgery was required and something that could hopefully be healed through rest. It somehow justifies why the Sixers are preserving the big man and choosing games where he will see actions. The playoffs are just around the corner and it would be in their best interest to use the Cameroonian only when necessary. The more rest he gets, the better his injury would heal.

Embiid is good for 23.3 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists a game this season. Those are big numbers lost by Philly who are also missing the services of Ben Simmons. Unlike Embiid, there is no word on the status of the 23-year-old cager.

For now, Brown needs to dig deep and bring out the best in the players who are ready to play. Harris and Horford can step up but Philly needs other players to get involved at least for the remainder of the 2019-20 NBA season.