The Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets are once again facing off in a nationally televised contest. Ben Simmons will once again return to Philly and face the Sixers, who will have Tyrese Maxey and James Harden playing this time around. But before this highly anticipated showdown, the question remains if the main superstar of the evening will be playing against his former teammate. Is Joel Embiid playing tonight vs. the Nets?
Joel Embiid injury status vs. Nets
Embiid was initially listed as questionable on the NBA injury report with left foot soreness. When asked if Embiid participated in the Sixers' morning shootaround, team officials said that he was in attendance but did not confirm whether he participated or not. Yesterday, he took part in a scrimmage after the team's practice (in which he did not participate).
Just moments before tip-off, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Joel Embiid will be available to play against the Nets.
Simmons and the Nets played the Sixers in Wells Fargo Center in November but Embiid, Harden and Maxey were all out. The undermanned Sixers, led by a gusty Tobias Harris effort, pulled off a stunning upset. Embiid is averaging 33.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season. He has led the Sixers on both sides of the ball but he may be missing his second straight game.
Sixers wing Furkan Korkmaz has been ruled out and so has Nets superstar Kevin Durant. His absence gives Philadelphia a better chance to pick up the win, though Embiid exercising precaution and not playing would be detrimental to those chances.
So, when it comes to the question of if Joel Embiid is playing tonight vs. the Nets, the answer is yes.