Joel Embiid didn’t suit up for the Philadelphia 76ers’ opening preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies, but he’s inching his way back.
Embiid “looked good” in half-court scrimmages according to head coach Brett Brown earlier this week, which is a promising sign given that the start of the regular season is now less than two weeks away.
The Sixers start the season on the road against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 18, and according to Philadelphia radio broadcaster Howard Eskin, Embiid told him there is no question he will play on opening night.
Although #sixers HC Brett Brown wasn't sure whether medical people would clear @JoelEmbiid for opening night, Embiid told me he has no question he will play opening night. @SportsRadioWIP
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) October 4, 2017
It’s quite an optimistic view from Joel Embiid to think that he’ll be ready to play on opening night. However, the decision might not be his to make. The Sixers’ medical staff still needs to clear him, and given their history of erring on the side of caution concerning injuries, particularly with Embiid, it’s not a lock that he is given the green light even if he says he’s good to go.
Embiid is just too valuable to this Sixers team, which has a goal of making it to the playoffs this season. Unless the team is 100 percent confident that Embiid is fully healthy, they likely won’t risk their star big man for their season opener.
Follow Us
Subscribe