As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare to wrap up their West Coast swing with a Monday night showdown against the Portland Trail Blazers, all eyes are on the injury report - and for good reason. Joel Embiid and Deni Avdija, two key pieces for their respective squads, are both listed as questionable heading into the matchup.
Let’s start with Embiid. The reigning MVP has been a regular on the injury report this season, and this time it’s right knee injury management that’s putting his status in doubt.
While “questionable” leaves the door open, it also signals that this could come down to a game-time decision. With only two games left before the All-Star break - Monday in Portland and Wednesday back home against the Knicks - the Sixers could opt to play it safe and rest their franchise big man.
That said, the Sixers are rolling. They’ve won six of their last seven, stringing together impressive wins over the Suns, Warriors, and Clippers during this four-game road trip. Embiid’s presence obviously elevates Philly on both ends, but given their current form, the team may feel comfortable giving him a night off if there's any doubt about his knee.
On the other side, the Blazers are trying to keep their own momentum going. They’ve won two straight, both against the Grizzlies, and they’ve done it without All-Star forward Deni Avdija, who’s been sidelined with a low back strain.
Monday marks a possible return for Avdija, though like Embiid, he’s currently listed as questionable. If he does suit up, it would be his first game back after missing four straight.
Avdija’s potential return could give Portland a much-needed boost. The Blazers are still dealing with a long list of injuries, including Shaedon Sharpe (left calf soreness), Matisse Thybulle (right knee tendinopathy), and Robert Williams III (left knee injury management), all of whom are out or questionable. Scoot Henderson, meanwhile, is listed as probable with a left hamstring issue, while Damian Lillard and Kris Murray remain out.
For Philly, Kelly Oubre Jr. is available despite managing a left knee recovery and will likely continue to wear a brace. Paul George is out due to a league suspension.
So, is Joel Embiid playing tonight? The answer is a firm maybe.
The Sixers could take a cautious approach with the All-Star break looming, or they could lean on their momentum and push for one more win to cap off a strong road trip. As for Avdija, his return would be a welcome sight for a Blazers team that’s been patching together lineups through a rough injury stretch.
We’ll know more closer to tip-off, but for now, both teams are in wait-and-see mode when it comes to their stars.