The Sixers will be without Joel Embiid on Tuesday night when they host the Washington Wizards, as the reigning MVP continues to manage his recovery from a right knee issue. The team’s latest injury report officially lists Embiid as out due to “right knee injury recovery,” a subtle shift in terminology that suggests this may be more of a precautionary rest day than a flare-up of symptoms. Still, when it comes to Embiid and knees, every designation carries weight.
Embiid returned to the court Sunday after missing nine straight games-eight of those tied directly to the knee problem that first surfaced back on November 11. He logged a season-high 30 minutes in a gritty double-overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks, looking mobile and engaged throughout. But after that kind of workload, especially following a multi-week absence, the Sixers appear to be playing it safe with their franchise cornerstone.
He’s not the only key name on the report. Paul George is listed as questionable with two designations: “left knee injury recovery” and “lower back tightness.”
The knee tag is nothing new-George has been managing that throughout the season-but the back tightness is a fresh concern. After playing 28 minutes on Sunday, George mentioned he felt good overall but admitted to some tightness in his back.
That comment might’ve seemed like a throwaway at the time, but it was enough for the team to tack on a second injury label less than 24 hours later.
Then there’s Andre Drummond, who’s also questionable with a right knee contusion. Drummond’s situation has been a rollercoaster.
He suffered the injury Friday night in Brooklyn-so painful at the time that he had to be taken off in a wheelchair. But in a surprising turn, imaging showed no structural damage, and Drummond was upgraded to available for Sunday’s game.
He played six minutes in the first quarter against Atlanta but didn’t return. Head coach Nick Nurse later said Drummond experienced knee soreness and was shut down at halftime.
The Sixers are also still without Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford, both of whom remain sidelined with longer-term injuries. Oubre continues to recover from a left knee sprain (specifically, an LCL injury) and has now missed over two weeks.
An update on his status is expected sometime this week. Watford, meanwhile, is dealing with a left adductor strain and is still early in his two-week re-evaluation window.
As the Sixers prepare to face a struggling Wizards squad, the bigger picture is clearly top of mind. Managing the health of Embiid, George, and Drummond-three players with a history of injuries-isn’t just about this week’s win-loss column.
It’s about keeping the core intact and upright for the long haul. That may mean some short-term absences, but in December, that’s a trade every contender should be willing to make.