The Philadelphia 76ers will play a rematch with the Cleveland Cavaliers this Saturday minus one of their key components – center Joel Embiid. According to Jessica Camerato of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Embiid isn’t suffering any injuries, but will not suit up against the Cavs for rest purposes.
Joel Embiid will not play tomorrow against the Cavs in Cleveland (back-to-back restriction/load management) and will be available for Sunday's game against the Pelicans in New Orleans.
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) December 8, 2017
The Sixers remain careful in deploying Embiid on the floor, especially during back-to-back schedules. After making a stop in Cleveland, the Sixers will hit the road for a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, in which, as Camerato mentioned, Embiid will be available.
Embiid’s rest day comes just after his fantastic outing, albeit in a 107-104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, when the Cameroonian dropped 33 points to go with seven rebounds, six assists, five blocks, and a steal across 36 minutes of action. On the season, Embiid has forged huge averages of 23.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in 21 games played this season.
Amir Johnson and Richaun Holmes will see more exposure on the floor as they try to hold the fort inside against the Cavs with Embiid taking a time off. Sixers point guard Ben Simmons should also have a heavier workload, as Philly looks to avenge a 113-91 loss on Nov. 27 to Cleveland and end a two-game losing skid at the same time.
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