Eastern Conference Player of the Week will not play the Sixers game on Monday night against the Pistons.
Joel Embiid will miss the end of the Sixers-Pistons miniseries with a tight grip on his back, the third game he lost this season for that reason. He was also left out of the Sixers’ defeat on January 16 to the Grizzlies because of pain in his right knee. The Sixers entered the game on Monday 0-3 without their All-Star center and 12-5 overall.
After the Sixers’ victory over the Celtics on Friday, Embiid said his back was “very sore” after having suffered some violent crashes in the second half. However, he played on Saturday, scoring 33 points and 14 rebounds in the Sixers’ victory in his third consecutive game.
“His back is stiff and we obviously spent the season with everyone healthy,” said coach Doc Rivers. “It is the right thing to do.”
Rivers expects Embiid to play for the Sixers on Wednesday against the Lakers, although he is still unsure.
“Yes, I hope, but I never know,” he said. “I don’t know if anyone still does. Let’s wait and see. ”
Embiid scored 113 points in just 54 field goal attempts last week. He has been tremendously valuable at both ends of the court and has impressed the great reserve Dwight Howard.
“I am very proud of his growth, his maturity on the court, how he handled double teams, triple teams, missing,” Howard said on Monday after the Sixers shooting game. “He’s doing an incredible job. One thing I see is a different dog in it. He’s sinking, he’s yelling at people. He’s like, ‘Nah, this is my year.’
“I just love what he’s doing and I’m really proud of him. I just want him to continue playing at his pace and remain humble and hungry. Those are the two biggest areas for him – staying humble and hungry – and he’s going to be great. He’s already great, but I’m really happy for him. “
Howard, who averaged 13.6 points and 16.7 rebounds for 36 minutes before Monday’s game, said his preparation is the same in situations where Embiid is questionable before submission.
The 35-year-old also told a joke about the unusual move on Saturday night, when newcomer Isaiah Stewart tore off a piece of his shorts and Howard was to blame for the foul.
“It’s no different,” said Howard. “My job is to get in the game and be physical, get rebounds, leave my guys open, bring energy and bring pain. And sometimes take off my shorts and take some (technical fouls). “