The Philadelphia 76ers are about to play the Orlando Magic for the final time this regular season. Orlando leads the season series 2-1 and is hosting the final matchup at 6:00 P.M. EST at Kia Center. There is one important injury the Sixers are looking out for that will determine their chances of winning. Is Joel Embiid playing tonight vs. the Magic? 

Joel Embiid ruled out for 76ers vs. Magic

After missing the last three games, Embiid (left foot sprain/right sinus fracture) was listed as questionable on the NBA injury report. He will not play in the 76ers' matchup with the Magic. Philly will start Tyrese Maxey, Eric Gordon, Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul George and Guerschon Yabusele.

The big man has participated in recent practices and the knee issues that plagued him at the start of the season have subsided, so the foot injury he sustained in the 76ers' win over the Boston Celtics on Christmas is the injury to watch out for.

The 76ers lost to the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns and nearly blew a 15-point, fourth-quarter lead to the Washington Wizards during Embiid's recent absence. At 15-21, they’re still multiple games outside of play-in-tournament territory. They still have plenty of time left to make it in, though they should not expect to be a high seed in the playoffs.

Nick Nurse wants to see Embiid shoot more threes but must also improve his team's offensive strategies. Embiid is a good shooter but the 76ers need more meaningful motion and screening in their offense to open those looks up.

Caleb Martin (right groin soreness) was listed as questionable and is also out. Andre Drummond (left toe sprain), Kyle Lowry (right hip sprain), KJ Martin (left foot stress reaction) and Jared McCain (left knee meniscus surgery) are also sidelined for the 76ers. McCain is done for the season and the Sixers hope to get the other three back in action as soon as possible.

Magic star Paolo Banchero is not on the injury report, so he is expected to play after recently returning from an oblique tear. Franz Wagner (torn right oblique) is still sidelined along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (sore left knee), Jalen Suggs (low back strain), Mo Wagner (torn left ACL), Gary Harris (left hamstring strain) and Jett Howard (left ankle sprain).