The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a slow start in the new season, holding a 1-4 record after their loss to the Grizzlies.
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While it's a less-than-ideal figure to break in the new season with, the numbers don't factor in the absence of all-star center Joel Embiid.
Embiid has yet to play in this season and hasn't seen much action since Philly was knocked out in the first round of last season's playoffs. Embiid and the Sixers have been open about his "load management," both saying it would be unlikely Embiid would play both ends of games on back-to-back nights to preserve his health.
Joel Embiid Calls Out Critics of His Playing Time
Fans and media have started to question Embiid's commitment to playing for the 76ers.
Embiid asserted that he would "love to be out there every single game" while firing back at his critics on Friday.
"From what I can tell you, I've broken my face twice. I came back early with the risk of losing my vision. I had broken fingers. I still came back. So, I'm not gonna sit here and be like, when I see people saying 'he doesn't want to play.' I've been through way too much. I've done way too much for this city and putting myself at risk for people to be saying that. So, I do think it's bulls—-.
The Sixers" Misinformation Cost Them Big Time
Earlier this week, the Sixers were fined $100,000 by the NBA for making "inconsistent" statements concerning Embiid's knee issues. The league began investigating after Embiid missed the Sixers' opening game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The NBA reportedly found no evidence of any policy violations.
Philadelphia recently announced that Embiid has competed in 5-on-5 scrimmages, yet there is still no return date for the all-star.
