During the first quarter against Toronto on Friday night, Joel Embiid experienced discomfort in his right ankle.
Despite remaining in the game and contributing 31 points to the 76ers’ victory, his condition did not fully improve.
For the Christmas Day matchup against the Heat, the 76ers have officially ruled Embiid out, and he did not accompany the team to Miami. He will stay in Philadelphia for treatment, and his availability for the next game on the 27th in Orlando is uncertain. Nicholas Batum is also unavailable for the 76ers, while Jimmy Butler is listed as questionable for the Heat.
Embiid is delivering an exceptional performance surpassing his MVP-worthy season last year, averaging 35 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 54%, along with 11.7 rebounds and six assists per game.
The impact of his absence is notable, as the 76ers have been outscoring opponents by 12.9 points per 100 possessions when Big Jo is on the court this season. Under coach Nick Nurse’s system, Embiid has operated effectively from higher positions on the floor, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills.
In Embiid’s absence, anticipate Paul Reed or Marcus Morris Sr. to secure the starting position, with both players expected to see increased playing time. With Batum sidelined, Kelly Oubre Jr. has returned to the starting lineup.
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