Just a game after leading the Philadelphia 76ers over the Chicago Bulls on the road, Joel Embiid was forced to sit out their game against the New York Knicks on Monday night due to COVID-19 protocols.

Reports have surfaced that Embiid tested positive for the highly contagious virus. Sixers coach Doc Rivers, however, didn't confirm it. Rivers did reveal though that the star big man is “struggling” with his situation.

Without Embiid, the Sixers lost to the Knicks, 103-96 to drop to 7-4. But as they've done all season, despite having a depleted roster, Rivers and his wards remained competitive throughout the game. In fact, the veteran tactician sounded quite satisfied even though they lost (via ESPN).

“The game could’ve gotten away from us in the first half and it didn’t. We hung in there.”

The Sixers had several chances to steal the game in the fourth quarter, but the Knicks managed to hold on. Andre Drummond once again stepped up admirably for Embiid with 14 points, a season-high 25 rebounds, and two blocks.

The Sixers have been waylaid by setbacks to Embiid, Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle, Danny Green, and Shake Milton this season. There's also this guy named Ben Simmons.

Losing Joel Embiid for a long stretch surely won't bode well for the squad, but Rivers has found ways to win. The Sixers have no time to rest though as they take on the equally depleted Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.