Joel Embiid could be utilizing the NBA’s All-Star Break for some much-needed rest as injuries and a heavy workload begin to take their toll. Embiid has appeared in 45 of the 57 games in which the Philadelphia 76ers have participated this season, and the 28-year-old center admits he may need some rest.
Embiid was labeled as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to pain in his left foot – a tag he’s held for many consecutive games.
Joel Embiid may sit out of the all star game. He said he hasn’t been healthy the past 3 weeks or month. I think this would be a great move for him. pic.twitter.com/OgAQrmkBUJ
— Aidan LaPorta (@aidanlaporta69) February 16, 2023
Although Embiid is expected to replace the injured Kevin Durant in the Eastern Conference’s starting lineup for the All-Star game following the forward’s trade to the Phoenix Suns – and after being snubbed weeks ago – he refused to commit to playing when asked.
“I’m not sure. I’m not healthy,’ Embiid admitted after Wednesday night’s win over Cleveland. I haven’t been healthy for the past three weeks, or months. I was just trying to get to the All-Star break without missing games and stuff. But I feel like I’ve reached the point where I need to follow the doctor’s advice. … Back then he said I should have been sitting for two weeks, so we’ll see how the next few days go, and go from there”, he added.
Three ‘frontcourt’ players – forwards and centers – and two ‘backcourt’ guards were chosen to form the starting lineups. Embiid was put among the Eastern Conference’s frontcourt players, but he did not earn a starting place. Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee, Kevin Durant of Brooklyn, and Jayson Tatum of Boston finished ahead of him.
Durant has since been moved to the Western Conference’s Suns, and a knee injury will likely keep him out of the All-Star Game. It means Embiid, who came in fourth in the voting, is the most probable candidate to take the place. Yet, if his words are any hint, Embiid may not play and instead take some much-needed rest.
After the game against the Cavs, Philadelphia will have almost a week free until their next game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 23. LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been appointed captains of the NBA All-Star Game, which will take place this Sunday.
The starting lineup for the Eastern Conference (as of January 26) is as follows: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant (traded West), Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving (traded West), and Donovan Mitchell. LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Zion Williamson, Stephen Curry, and Luka Doncic are the Western Conference starting lineup.
