Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia Sixers' star center, will miss his ninth consecutive game due to a right knee injury management issue. The team's decision comes as Embiid has struggled with the ongoing issue since November 11, when he first reported soreness in his right knee during practice.
The latest setback for the former NBA MVP was expected, given that the Sixers had stated earlier that he was merely day-to-day despite practicing fully during his absence. However, Embiid's condition has remained a concern, prompting the team to err on the side of caution and hold him out of Friday night's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.
Meanwhile, Paul George, who initially suffered a right ankle sprain and returned to practice without issues, is now listed as questionable for the game. The nine-time All-Star had been cleared to participate in full practices, but his status remains uncertain due to the lingering injury.
In contrast, Adem Bona, who has been dealing with a similar right ankle sprain, is expected to return from five-game absence on Friday. Bona told PhillyVoice earlier this week that he was "feeling great" as he recovered and expressed confidence in his ability to play soon.
The only other injury-related absence among the Sixers' key players is VJ Edgecombe, who will miss his third consecutive game due to left calf tightness. Despite some positive signs from the team's coach, Nick Nurse, regarding Edgecombe's recovery, the rookie remains out of action.
For the Nets, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford are also expected to be absent, with their injuries lingering despite further evaluations. The latest updates on these players' status will provide more insight into the teams' plans for Friday night's matchup.
The latest setback for the former NBA MVP was expected, given that the Sixers had stated earlier that he was merely day-to-day despite practicing fully during his absence. However, Embiid's condition has remained a concern, prompting the team to err on the side of caution and hold him out of Friday night's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.
Meanwhile, Paul George, who initially suffered a right ankle sprain and returned to practice without issues, is now listed as questionable for the game. The nine-time All-Star had been cleared to participate in full practices, but his status remains uncertain due to the lingering injury.
In contrast, Adem Bona, who has been dealing with a similar right ankle sprain, is expected to return from five-game absence on Friday. Bona told PhillyVoice earlier this week that he was "feeling great" as he recovered and expressed confidence in his ability to play soon.
The only other injury-related absence among the Sixers' key players is VJ Edgecombe, who will miss his third consecutive game due to left calf tightness. Despite some positive signs from the team's coach, Nick Nurse, regarding Edgecombe's recovery, the rookie remains out of action.
For the Nets, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford are also expected to be absent, with their injuries lingering despite further evaluations. The latest updates on these players' status will provide more insight into the teams' plans for Friday night's matchup.