Joel Embiid will sit out the Philadelphia 76ers’ first three games of the 2024 preseason as he prepares for the upcoming season. Following an evaluation of his left knee, the team announced that the star center will also miss the final three preseason games.
The 76ers stated: “As part of his left knee management, Joel Embiid was assessed by doctors on Thursday. He is making good progress and will continue with an individual treatment plan aimed at supporting his health for the 2024-25 season. He will not participate in this week’s preseason games, with further updates to follow.”
Embiid suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee last January, causing him to miss 29 games. He returned in April and played the remainder of the season, aside from two regular-season games. After competing in the Paris Olympics with Team USA this summer, the 76ers are taking a cautious approach as the season approaches.
During training camp in The Bahamas, Embiid did not participate in scrimmages. He has expressed a commitment to better care for his body and heed the advice of the team’s medical staff.
Embiid commented on balancing his eagerness to play with managing his workload: “They know that if they have to punch me and slap me or take my stuff away from me for me not to get on that court, they’re gonna have to do it.” Tyrese Maxey added, “Oh yeah, that’s me. My job.”
The 76ers began their preseason with a win against the New Zealand Breakers but suffered losses to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics in consecutive games. They will face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, and the Orlando Magic on Friday, before kicking off the regular season against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 23.
