Joel Embiid’s early exit against the Bulls had 76ers fans looking for answers, but Nick Nurse made the situation sound pretty straightforward.
Philadelphia beat Chicago 126-107 on Monday, yet the odd part of the night came when the 76ers finished the game with Dean Wade and Adem Bona handling the minutes at center while Embiid stayed on the active roster. He checked out with 3:51 left in the third quarter and never returned, which naturally raised some concern given his injury history.
After the game, though, the explanation was simple: Embiid was operating under a minutes restriction. According to Adam Aaronson of The Philly Voice, the star big man said he did not suit up late because of that limit. Nurse backed that up, saying Embiid was “okay” and that the team was managing the foot issue he has been dealing with.
The context mattered, too. By the time Embiid was done for the night, the 76ers were already in control, so there was no reason to push him and risk aggravating anything.
In 25 minutes, Embiid finished with 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists while shooting 5-of-11 from the field.
Philadelphia’s approach fits the bigger picture. The team is clearly taking the long view with Embiid, and every chance to lighten his load matters.
The roster was built with the likes of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James to help absorb some of that burden, while Tyrese Maxey keeps doing his part. He was excellent again Monday, pouring in 26 points and 11 assists to lead the way.
Embiid has missed 150 games over the past three seasons, and he is expected to sit out all back-to-backs this year. The hope in Philadelphia is that keeping him fresh now pays off later, especially if he reaches the playoffs ready to go.
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