Joel Embiid and Quentin Grimes will both be sidelined for the Philadelphia 76ers once again as they prepare to host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Embiid’s absence stems from lingering right knee soreness, while Grimes remains out due to an ongoing illness, marking their second consecutive missed game together amid the NBA season.
Details on Embiid’s Knee Issue and Recovery Timeline
Embiid first experienced discomfort in his right knee following the Sixers’ 109-103 win over the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on Saturday. The 7-foot-2 center, who scored 33 points with nine rebounds in that matchup, will undergo evaluation after the NBA All-Star break, which starts Thursday. Coach Nick Nurse emphasized the gradual improvement in Embiid’s condition but confirmed he was not ready to return just yet.
“is bothering him enough that he’s not playing,”
Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach
“I think it is improving a little bit. But it’s not quite there to get out there tonight.”
Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach
Embiid, the 2023 MVP and seven-time All-Star, has been averaging 29.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over his last 17 games. Despite his recent contributions, the team has struggled without him, losing five of the last six games he has missed. During this span, their only win came against the Golden State Warriors on February 3rd at Chase Center. Overall, Philadelphia holds a 19-12 record when Embiid plays compared to an even 11-11 without him.
Grimes’ Continued Absence and Team Adjustments
Quentin Grimes remains out with an illness, limiting his availability for the 76ers. Despite this, Dominick Barlow is expected to return to the lineup for the game against the Knicks following his own recent illness that forced him out of Monday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Grimes has been averaging 12.7 points and 3.6 assists across 48 games this season, and his absence is felt as the Sixers try to maintain momentum in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Coaching Staff Weighs In on Player Health and Team Prospects
Coach Nurse underlined the commonality of soreness during the grueling season and remains cautiously optimistic about Embiid’s recovery. He noted the benefit of the upcoming break allowing injured and sore players to receive treatment and rest.
“Anybody that’s a little bit sore and signed up has a chance here to get some treatment for a week, and off their feet for a week,”
Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach
“He would certainly be included in that for sure.”
Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach
“This is probably what we’ve expected to have happened, that there would be some soreness at times,”
Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach
With the team sitting at 30-23, the absence of Embiid and Grimes adds pressure as Philadelphia seeks to strengthen its position ahead of the critical stretch following the All-Star break. The Sixers’ ability to adapt without their star center and key guard will likely influence their playoff prospects and overall success this season.
