Why is Joel Embiid not playing tonight against Cleveland Cavaliers? Latest injury update for 76ers star (Dec. 21)

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will not suit up for Saturday's clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 2023 NBA MVP returned last game after a week-long hiatus in Friday's 108-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Embiid was out with a sinus fracture before that.

However, the Sixers continue to rest him for back-to-backs, citing his left knee issue. Since he played Friday, Embiid will be ruled out against the Cavaliers, citing injury management. It will be his 19th absence of the season.

Embiid has played seven games, averaging 22.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists, shooting 42.9%, including 20.7% from 3. The Sixers are 2-5 in his presence and 7-11 without him.

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Masked Joel Embiid makes dominant return from another injury absence

Amid multiple injury blows, Joel Embiid seems to be coming into his own lately. On Friday, he made a dominant return from a sinus fracture absence, producing 34 points, five rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and two steals against the Hornets. Embiid shot 50.0%, including 2 of 4 from 3. He went 8 of 9 from the free-throw line. The Sixers won the contest, improving to 9-16.

Embiid has been solid since Nov. 21. He's scored 30 points in three out of four games. The only game he didn't hit the total was when he exited the clash in the first half because of a sinus fracture. Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin inadvertently elbowed Embiid in the face, leading to his exit.

He was on course to have another big outing in that game after tallying 12 points, four rebounds and five assists in 17 minutes.

While Embiid's unavailability for back-to-backs continues, the Sixers will be glad he's shrugged off some rust in his initial few games.

They are steadily improving their record, and if Joel Embiid continues to improve his conditioning at the current rate, they could be back atop the East standings soon.

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How to watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game?

NBC Sports Philadelphia+ and FanDuel Sports Network - Ohio will provide coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game in the local regions. Other viewers can watch this contest online on NBA League Pass. The game will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Cavaliers' homecourt.