Joel Embiid's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) has yet to play this season. As a result, tensions have been high in recent interactions between the media and some members of the team. However, it reached a boiling point on Saturday after the Sixers loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, with ESPN's Shams Charania reporting that Embiid got into an "altercation" with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. The 2023 MVP confronted Hayes, reportedly taking issue with a recent column that made mention of Embiid's deceased brother while also referencing his son. As expected, it didn't sit well with Embiid, resulting a verbal confrontation followed by the multi-time All-Star allegedly "shoving" Hayes before both were eventually separated. The league has already launched an investigation, although it's unknown if Embiid will be punished for the incident.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) told reporters on Friday that he is unavailable for Philly's matchup on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The news comes after Embiid practiced fully on Friday, a potential sign that the former MVP may be close to returning to the Sixers' starting lineup. The 30-year-old's knee has not been as healthy as the team previously indicated, leading the NBA to fine the organization $100,000 for misleading comments about Embiid's health. Embiid also indicated on Friday that the level of strain experienced while playing during the Olympics does not match up to what he experiences while preparing to play for the Sixers. Fans have been questioning that aspect of his return to the court, forcing him to clarify his absence from the start of the season. While Embiid works on his recovery, expect Andre Drummond to continue to get starts at center. At 12.5 RPG it's hard to ignore his value on the boards.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is set to have "periodic" spells on the sidelines this season. Speaking during an appearance on SportsCenter, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Philadelphia plans to keep Embiid healthy for the playoffs by giving him "periodic time off at different points during the season." The former MVP is set to have routine check-ups on his knee, and this is going to be the "new normal" for Embiid. The 76ers superstar has yet to play this season but has completed multiple five-on-five scrimmages during a ramp-up process and could be available as soon as this weekend.

On Wednesday, Philadelphia 76ers centerJoel Embiid(knee) will not suit up against the Detroit Pistons. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the team said Embiid and Paul George (knee) participated in portions of practice today and will be re-assessed later in the week. The NBA's Most Valuable Player in the 2022-2023 season missed the entire preseason with a left knee issue and will now miss his fourth straight game to start the regular season. Fantasy managers should consider him questionable for Saturday's contest versus Memphis.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) participated in practice on Thursday and looks like he's progressing, according to head coach Nick Nurse. Embiid has been nursing a left-knee injury he picked up in Golden State in late January that forced him to miss 29 straight regular-season games, though he was able to participate in all six games of Philadelphia's first-round loss to the New York Knicks. The Sixers have taken a very cautious approach with the big man's health this year with a rest-management plan that's causing him to miss the team's first three games of the season, which is now officially being investigated by the NBA as of Thursday. With the current plan, Embiid should be expected to start the season in a game against the Detroit Pistons next Wednesday. Fantasy managers looking for value until then should keep their eyes on Andre Drummond, who grabbed 13 rebounds and scored 10 points on Wednesday night in the season opener. Drummond should provide solid fantasy value for those in need of production at the center position.