Out for Now: Embiid’s Status in Question for 76ers-Thunder Matchup

Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse has recently expressed hope that Joel Embiid will be able to return to the court for the Thunder. However, it has been confirmed that Embiid will not be playing in Tuesday night’s game against the Thunder as he is still listed as “out” on the injury report. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and The Athletic’s Shams Charania have suggested that Embiid could make a return on Tuesday, but it seems more likely that he will return before the end of the regular season.

Embiid has been sidelined since February 1st due to surgery for a torn left lateral meniscus. Prior to his injury, he was having an outstanding season, averaging 35.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. He was on track to become only the second player in NBA history to average more than a point per minute played. Unfortunately, Embiid has missed too many games to be eligible for postseason awards under the NBA’s new 65-game rule.

Without Embiid, the 76ers have struggled, going 11-18 since his absence and falling to the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. They are likely to have to compete in the play-in tournament to secure a spot in the postseason, where they would probably face either the Celtics or Bucks in the first round. The 76ers are currently 1.5 games behind the Miami Heat for the No. 7 seed and two games behind the No. 6 seed Indiana Pacers, making it difficult for them to move up in