Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will miss the team’s upcoming game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 15, 2023. The decision comes as Embiid deals with an illness and ongoing management of a right knee injury. Initially listed as questionable, his absence highlights the ongoing challenges he faces this season.
Embiid’s situation is not unexpected. He has already missed a total of 14 games this season, primarily due to knee issues that have plagued him since early November. These complications previously forced him to sit out for nine consecutive games. Notably, the 7-foot-2 player does not participate in both games of back-to-back fixtures, a policy the team has adhered to in light of his health.
In his absence, the Sixers will face the Knicks, aiming to secure a victory against a competitive opponent. Following this matchup, Philadelphia will host the Dallas Mavericks on December 16, 2023. The team will need to rally without their star player, who has averaged 20.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game this season.
Embiid’s most notable performance this season came on December 12, when he scored a season-high 39 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a 115-105 win against the Indiana Pacers. Two nights later, he recorded 22 points and a season-high 14 rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks, despite the team’s narrow 120-117 loss.
Embiid is not the only player missing the game against the Knicks. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford will also be sidelined, adding to the challenges the 76ers face as they continue to navigate their season.
As the Sixers prepare for the game, the absence of their leading scorer will undoubtedly impact their strategy against the Knicks. Fans will be eager to see how the team compensates for Embiid’s scoring and presence on the court.
