Jan 4, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks up during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Joel Embiid was ruled out for Monday's home tilt against the Phoenix Suns just a few hours before tip-off.
Embiid, who is already wearing a mask to play as he recovers from a fractured right sinus, has been dealing with a sprained left foot for the past handful of games.
It's unclear when the injury officially occurred. However, the sprained foot was not listed on the injury report until after the Sixers' Christmas Day victory against the Boston Celtics.
There were two notable incidents involving Embiid's feet in that game. First, he landed on a sideline security guard during warmups, tumbling to the floor and grabbing at his foot. He played without issue in the contest despite the viral moment.
Second, on one critical possession late in the game, Embiid landed awkwardly on a play at the rim. He walked off the pain and knocked down a pair of free throws to help Philadelphia ice the victory.
But, he's been listed as questionable on the injury report ever since, the sprained foot and "R sinus fracture - mask" provided as reasons.
Since the game in Boston, he's only missed the Sixers' loss to the Sacramento Kings on January 1. That was the first leg of a back-to-back, and he was available the next night against the Golden State Warriors.
"He hurt it a couple games ago and it's been trying to get back in there, but not good enough to go today. But, nothing major," Nick Nurse told reporters during his pregame availability on Monday.
Of other note, Nurse mentioned that he'd like Embiid to focus on drives and three-point shots more when the ball is in his hands.
"He's just such a good shooter. He's such a good shooter. If they're going to plug the lane off him, then I think he's got to make them pay for that," Nurse said.
Specifically, the head coach wants to see Embiid attempt between six and nine three-pointers per game.
As the Sixers approach a condensed portion of their schedule, Nurse did not rule out the possibility that Embiid could be cleared to appear in back-to-back situations.
"There should be some improvement in that, as far as guys playing and all that kind of stuff. I think we probably would like to be hoping guys are playing, whether it's a back-to-back or not. That's certainly where I'm at right now. I think that's where [the Vice President of Athlete Care] is, and Daryl and [Elton Brand] and all that stuff," Nurse said.
"We want, as best we can here - and as quick as we can - when these back-to-backs start coming that we're going to get guys playing."
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