Joel Embiid expected to sit out games to rest ahead of playoffs

Joel Embiid is expected to sit out a few games in order to rest and be 100% ready for the NBA playoffs in mid-April.

The superstar of the Philadelphia 76ers said he will seek advice from the medical staff on how to handle the situation.

“I’m gonna listen to them. I know they have their opinions, and they were gonna talk to me. Obviously, I’ve been on the court.

I haven’t missed really any games besides those COVID times, so I’m gonna listen to what they have to say, but the goal is obviously to win a championship.

At some point, you gotta think about what’s gonna take us there, and I have to be extremely fresh for the playoffs, so I would imagine I will sit a game or two to finish the year,” Joel Embiid said, via Clutchpoints.

Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The star big man and the Sixers currently are third in the East, at 43-26. Philadelphia is just three games below conference leaders Miami Heat (47-24).

Even though they have not yet secured their place in the playoffs, this is expected to happen soon. In addition, they have the upper hand in the battle for the home-court advantage.

With Joel Embiid being injury-prone, though, Philadelphia will be cautious and will attempt to rest the big man ahead of the postseason.

The All-Star center is among the favorites to win the MVP award. In 57 with the Sixers this season, he is averaging 30 points, 11.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists.

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