After only playing an average of 12 minutes in the Philadelphia 76ers‘ first four preseason games, Joel Embiid saw an increase in his playing time Thursday night.

According to head coach Brett Brown, the 7-foot center was planned to have a minutes restriction of 15 during their game against the Washington Wizards.

The Kansas product had his time extended on the court because two of the team's other big men, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor, both missed the game. With Ben Simmons already ruled out for three months, it leaves a gaping hole in the middle for the 76ers.

Embiid shared the frontcourt minutes with Richaun Holmes and fellow rookie, Dario Saric.

In an interview with CSN Philly, Brown described how the extra minutes will be beneficial for his rookie who missed the past two seasons due to injury:

“It lets the team play with him more, [Embiid] personally, it allows him to get more time under his belt, feeling the game. As good as he has been and signs of tremendous play, it's still clear he hasn't played basketball for so long.”

Even with limited minutes, the 22-year-old Cameroonian has looked impressive this preseason.

In the game against the Wizards, he ended up playing 14 minutes and collecting a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds.