Is Joel Embiid playing tonight against Raptors? Exploring former NBA MVP's availability for Sixers (Oct. 25)

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid missed the first game of the season on Wednesday versus the Milwaukee Bucks. Embiid was ruled out in the opener due to a left knee injury. Will the 2023 NBA MVP playing tonight against the Toronto Raptors?

According to the latest injury report, Embiid is out with the same injury and will be on the sidelines again for the second straight game. He is still dealing with a left knee injury although the Sixers call it injury management. He underwent surgery on that same knee back in early February but returned for the playoffs.

He also played heavy minutes for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, helping them win the gold medal. However, the Sixers decided to keep him under wraps and rest during the preseason, as well as the first three games of the campaign.

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What happened to Joel Embiid?

What happened to Joel Embiid? (Image Source: IMAGN)

Embiid has been plagued by foot and knee injuries since he entered the NBA in 2014. His latest injury was a torn meniscus in his left knee suffered in late January against the Golden State Warriors. He underwent surgery in earlier February and played in the 76ers' first-round series against the New York Knicks.

Joel Embiid was also healthy enough to play heavy minutes in Team USA's gold medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the Sixers are now being cautious with their best player's left knee heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.

The 2023 NBA MVP even told reporters before the season started that he doesn't see himself playing in back-to-back games for the rest of his career.

"If I had to guess. I would probably never play back-to-backs the rest of my career," Embiid said, according to ESPN.

The idea was later backed by General Manager Daryl Morey, who is planning to do the same with Paul George. The newly acquired star is already out in the first week of the season due to a sprained knee he suffered in preseason.

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NBA to investigate Sixers and Joel Embiid's injury management

NBA to investigate Sixers and Joel Embiid's injury management (Image Source: IMAGN)

The NBA introduced the Player Participation Policy last season, punishing teams for resting healthy players on televised games. The league wanted teams and players to justify missing games despite not being injured. It will also impact superstars since they will need to play 65 games to qualify for awards.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the NBA will likely investigate the Sixers and Joel Embiid as part of its enforcement of the Player Participation Policy. Philly's front office is doing everything it can to keep Embiid healthy in time for the playoffs but will need to pass the league's new rule.

Many former NBA players like Kevin Garnett and Charles Barkley were not happy with the Sixers and Embiid's decision to sit down the opening week. Embiid was healthy at the Paris Olympics and did not suffer any setbacks in training camp.