As for the other three Sixers on the injury report: Kyle Lowry (lower back spasms) participated in practice, Caleb Martin (right shoulder impingement) was a limited participant, and rookie Adem Bona (left knee contusion) did not participate. Both Martin and Bona are still considered day-to-day.
Martin said after practice Sunday that he was “felling better” but he is also still taking it “day-by-day.” He’s always been someone who’s taken pride in playing through injuries, and has admitted it’s been tough this year to sit out with how many other struggles the team has gone through.
Nick Nurse stressing that he wants Martin to get as healthy as possible has been a big confidence boost for him.
“I’m my toughest critic,” he said, “so I am really appreciative that he sees that in me.”
Thanks to the NBA Cup the Sixers do have an odd quirk in their schedule that should allow players to rest. After playing in Charlotte Monday, the Sixers won’t wrap up their home-and-home against the Hornets until Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Martin remarked that he feels like he’s growing up again with how often he’s played his twin brother Cody this season. This week could feature the third and fourth matchup between the two this season.
Of course, they then have to travel to Cleveland to play the East-best Cavaliers the next night (because that makes sense).
Update - 12/16: Joel Embiid (sinus fracture) will remain out for the time being and be reevaluated in approximately one week, per the Sixers.
Embiid was already officially ruled for Monday’s contest in Charlotte against the Hornets. This seems to indicate he will miss Friday’s home contest against the Hornets and Saturday’s showdown in Cleveland with the East-best Cavaliers.
It does leave the door open for the former MVP to possibly be available next Monday against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs and/or Christmas Day in Boston vs. the defending champion Celtics.
We’ll keep you posted as new updates become available
Update: Joel Embiid (sinus fracture), Caleb Martin (right shoulder impingement) and Adem Bona (left knee tendinopathy) are officially listed as out for Monday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets.
We’re still awaiting word on Embiid’s long-term status after the big man underwent another assessment Sunday.
Well, Sixers season is officially in full swing as the team gave minor updates on all five players currently dealing with injuries.
Joel Embiid, who suffered a sinus fracture in Friday night’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, has not officially been ruled for Monday’s matchup in Charlotte against the Hornets. Nick Nurse said the big man still has to go through another assessment when the head coach spoke to reporters after practice Sunday.
As expected, there is a possibility Embiid will once again have to wear a mask upon his return.
“I don’t know that either, I think that’s certainly a possibility, he’s certainly done that before,” Nurse said, “but nobody has told me ‘Yes, it’s going to be a mask situation for sure.”
Nurse added that rookie Jared McCain, who suffered a torn lateral meniscus on Friday, will have a clearer timeline once he undergoes surgery (likely next week). When asked by reporters, Nurse said the team is still unsure when exactly McCain’s injury occurred vs. the Pacers.
Sixers forward Caleb Martin (right shoulder impingement) seems close to making his return to the line up.
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