Joel Embiid will sit out the Sixers‘ second night of back-to-back against the Miami Heat Monday, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reports.
Embiid has been ruled out with back soreness. He had been questionable for each of the team’s last three games following the Sixers’ loss to the Denver Nuggets last Monday.
His rest is coming after a tough matchup vs the Toronto Raptors Sunday. Embiid is averaging an NBA-leading 29.8 points per game to go along with 11.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per contest in 2021-22 as an MVP candidate.
He was also in the race to win last season’s award putting up 28.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.
With Embiid out, DeAndre Jordan, Paul Millsap and perhaps Paul Reed will handle the center position on Monday night. The Heat will have the chance to get further ahead from the Sixers in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Sixers will hope to see more production from James Harden, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris heading into the Monday’s contest.
Heat will have all their stars available, with only Victor Oladipo and Gabe Vincent being ruled out. Defensive specialist Caleb Martin is listed questionable for the East leaders.
#MIAvsPHL INJURY UPDATE: Coach Spo says he expects Jimmy Butler (ankle) to play tonight vs the Sixers. Caleb Martin (knee) is listed as questionable. Gabe Vincent (toe contusion) and Victor Oladipo (back) have both been ruled out. — Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 21, 2022
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