76ers Star Joel Embiid Sidelined Again with Right Shin Injury

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will miss Thursday's game against Atlanta due to right shin soreness that developed during the All-Star break. The injury occurred while Embiid was participating in a knee management program, adding to his lengthy history of health issues.

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will sit out Thursday night’s matchup against Atlanta after developing right shin soreness during the All-Star break.

According to the team, Embiid felt the discomfort while taking part in a rehabilitation program designed to manage his ongoing right knee issues. After meeting with medical staff, the center has been receiving daily treatment while continuing court activities and fitness training.

Team officials plan to reassess Embiid’s condition before the 76ers’ upcoming road trip, which includes games Saturday in New Orleans and Sunday in Minnesota.

This season, Embiid has posted 26.6 points per game across 31 contests and had been playing without the minute limitations that restricted him in recent years. However, he missed three of Philadelphia’s final five games before the All-Star break due to right knee discomfort.

Philadelphia has struggled significantly without their star player, dropping six of their last seven contests when Embiid doesn’t suit up.

The towering 7-foot center appeared in just 19 games during the previous season and 39 the year before that. He delivered an impressive 40-point, 11-rebound performance in a victory over New Orleans last month, coinciding with Paul George’s 25-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy.

Injury troubles have followed Embiid throughout his career, beginning before he even joined the NBA. A stress fracture in his right foot prior to being selected from Kansas sidelined him for two seasons. Since then, he’s battled bone bruises, meniscus damage, a fractured orbital bone, shoulder sprains, tendinitis, torn ligaments, and even Bell’s palsy.

Despite his extensive injury history, Philadelphia committed to Embiid in 2024 with a three-year, $193 million contract extension featuring a player option for the 2028-29 season, which takes effect next year.