Joel Embiid hasn't played in back-to-back games with zero days’ rest since 2024.
The Philadelphia 76ers' star center has dealt with knee injuries so frequently that the Sixers and the big man decided it would be best to avoid pushing limits like that-at least for now.
Last season, Embiid entered the year with the intentions of never playing back-to-backs again. He would change course shortly after, making it known that while it's unlikely for the time being, he won't say never.
Will Joel Embiid Break the Trend on Tuesday?
The Sixers are set to host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
No trends will be broken on Tuesday night. The Sixers have ruled out Embiid for night two of the back-to-back. Embiid could be back on Thursday, when the Sixers take on the Houston Rockets.
On Monday, the 76ers took on the Indiana Pacers, opening a back-to-back run. No longer dealing with a restriction on his playing time, Embiid clocked in for 33 minutes on Monday. The veteran center had an efficient night, making 10-17 shors from the field, and going 9-10 from the free throw line.
Embiid produced 30 points, which marked a team-high for the night. He was one rebound shy of a double-double and racked up four assists. The Sixers put away the Pacers with a 113-104 victory. The Sixers advanced to 23-18 with that win.
Leading up to Monday's game, Embiid had appeared in 22 matchups, seeing the court for 29.5 minutes per game. The veteran big man has averaged 24.0 points per game, while coming down with 6.9 rebounds and blocking 1.2 shots.
It hasn't been an easy road for Embiid, who underwent two surgeries in under two years, but the veteran star is certainly finding his rhythm once again with the Sixers. He might not play two games in two nights, but the Sixers are certainly getting the most out of him, as he's feeling like a dominant version of himself once again.
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