Is Joel Embiid playing tonight against New York Knicks? Latest injury update for 76ers star (Jan. 15)

Joel Embiid has been on the injury list again with a left foot sprain, forcing him to miss five consecutive games. However, the Philadelphia 76ers star could be inching closer to a return ahead of Wednesday's showdown against the New York Knicks. After ruling him out against the OKC Thunder on Tuesday, the 76ers revealed that Embiid is 'day-to-day.'

It suggested his injury isn't a long-term problem, and he could be back as early as Wednesday. The 76ers also rested multiple others, including Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, against the OKC Thunder with that being a difficult matchup to win on the front one of a back-to-back, it seemed like a strategic decision to deploy their healthy roster against the struggling Knicks, who are 2-5 in their past seven games.

Joel Embiid stats vs. New York Knicks

Joel Embiid has played 30 games against the New York Knicks, averaging 24.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 45/26/81 splits. Embiid holds an impressive 16-4 record against Philadelphia's division rival. However, one of those losses for him came during his previous outing against the Knicks this season.

Embiid and the Sixers lost 111-99 in a Nov. 12 home matchup, with the former MVP tallying a measly 13 points, three rebounds and five assists, shooting 2 of 11. It was his season debut after missing the first three weeks of the season with left knee injury management.

Before his newest injury setback, Joel Embiid had rediscovered his rhythm. He averaged 26.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.0 apg and 1.0 bpg in his past nine games since December, shooting on 48/42/89 splits. The Sixers went 7-2 in that stretch.

Where to watch New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers game?

ESPN will nationally televise the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers game, while local operators MSG and NBC Sports Philadelphia will provide coverage in the respective states. Viewers outside the U.S. can catch live action online via NBA League Pass. The game begins at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Wells Fargo Center, the 76ers' homecourt.