Sixers superstar Joel Embiid was slated to rest on Monday night against the New York Knicks in the tail end of a back-to-back. Turns out, he's actually heading into health and safety protocols and could be out for a few games.

Via Shams Charania of The Athletic:

Charania also noted that Sixers players were about to get the COVID-19 booster shot this week as well:

This is definitely a blow to Philly amid their impressive 8-2 start. It's unknown at this point if Embiid has tested positive for the virus, but nevertheless, he will be sidelined for the time being.

The All-Star has been dealing with knee soreness early on, but he's played through it. Thankfully, it's nothing serious. The Sixers will need to get by without their best player. Andre Drummond, who Philadelphia signed in the offseason, will likely start at center. He's averaging 5.9 points and 8.6 rebounds off the bench.

Embiid meanwhile is putting together a solid campaign for the Sixers through nine games, posting 21.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and four assists per night. His numbers are slightly down from 2020/21, but it's a small sample size.

Coming into Monday's contest, the Sixers are on a six-game winning streak. Hopefully, Drummond can step up and give Doc Rivers some much-needed production inside in place of Embiid.