Joel Embiid is listed day-to-day for rest on the Friday injury report, a day after he scored 24 points in a win over the Cavaliers. His expected return is listed as Saturday, Oct 24, when the 2-0 76ers host the Bucks.
What happened
Joel Embiid went on the injury report Friday at 10:30 AM ET as day-to-day. The listed reason is rest, not an injury. He had been cleared on Oct 16, so this is his first listing since then. The report notes his Thursday game: 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting, 1-of-4 from three and 7-of-9 at the line, with seven rebounds and one assist in 34 minutes in a 114-106 win over the Cavaliers. This is his third rest listing this month. The first two came on Oct 5 and Oct 10, and he was cleared within days both times.
What it means for the 76ers
Philadelphia hosts the Bucks on Saturday, Oct 24 at 7:30 PM ET on NBA TV. The 76ers are 2-0, have won both games and sit first in the standings. Embiid is averaging 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 33.9 minutes over two games. Last season he averaged 26.9 points in 38 games. Philadelphia is 2-0 with him and has not played a game without him. Tyrese Maxey leads the rotation at 40.6 minutes and 30.0 points. Adem Bona is the backup big at 11.6 minutes. Dominick Barlow and Ariel Hukporti are out, so the frontcourt has little depth behind Embiid.
What to watch
The next injury report before Saturday's game will show whether Embiid plays against the Bucks. The report lists his expected return as Oct 24, the day of that game. Also watch Dean Wade, day-to-day with a left ankle issue, and Tacko Fall, day-to-day with a left quadriceps issue. Both affect how many big men Philadelphia has available. Barlow (back) and Hukporti (right Achilles) are out, and no return timeline has been announced for either.
Is Joel Embiid playing vs the Bucks on Saturday, Oct 24?
He is day-to-day for rest. His expected return is listed as Oct 24, the day of the game, but whether he plays has not been announced.
When will Joel Embiid be back?
The injury report lists his expected return as Saturday, Oct 24. He is on the report for rest, not an injury, and he played 34 minutes on Thursday.