The Philadelphia 76ers faced a tough start to their season without star center Joel Embiid, who was sidelined due to ongoing left knee injury management.
The team’s decision to rest Embiid for the first three games of the season, including the season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, was a precautionary measure to ensure his health for the postseason.
However, Joel Embiid’s absence was felt heavily as the 76ers struggled without their key player. Despite a valiant effort from Tyrese Maxey, who led the team with 25 points, the 76ers fell short in a close game, losing 109-124 to the Bucks.
In addition, Kelly Oubre led the 76ers with 21 points. Without key stars like Joel Embiid and Paul George, fans wondered if the game’s outcome would have changed, especially with 2023 MVP Embiid on the court.
After the loss, 76ers’ top scorer Tyrese Maxey said, “I’m not about to sit here and say that just because Jo was out, we played bad. Yes, we did not win the game which is the ultimate—the goal, but we’ve been without Jo all preseason. All training camp for the most part. He’s been ramping up so we have to go out there and execute what we worked on.”
Doc Rivers shares insight on Joel Embiid’s status
Sixers’ head coach Doc Rivers recently provided an update on star center Joel Embiid’s status as the team begins the season without him. Joel Embiid’s health has been a concern throughout his career, despite showing his talent when healthy.
Head coach Doc Rivers, who led Embiid for three seasons, shared his thoughts, stressing that Embiid’s injuries aren’t his fault. Though he takes care of his body, his size makes him more injury-prone. This may explain why the Sixers are carefully managing his playing time.
He said, “There is no secret. I was here three years and Joel was never healthy in the playoffs. Joel did not do anything wrong, you know?..I mean, there is nothing we can do about that. I do not know when the Brooklyn series, did he get hurt before? I do not even remember, to be honest, but it just happens. You do your best.”
