Sixers star Joel Embiid set to be disqualified from NBA awards for second season in a row

Keith Pompey, The Philadelphia Inquirer on Dec 5, 2024

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PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid has missed 16 games this season because of left knee injury management, knee swelling, personal reasons and a three-game suspension.

But after he misses his 17th contest against the Orlando Magic, the 2023 NBA MVP will start to wade into dangerous territory and be in jeopardy, once again, of being disqualified for regular-season awards.

The NBA, in cooperation with the National Basketball Players Association, instituted a 65-game rule last season for awards, hoping it would deter players and teams from leaning on load management to take off games.

The seven-time All-Star was disqualified last season after playing in only 39 games. The most games Embiid can play in this season is 65 if he participates in all of the remaining contests starting with Sunday’s game against the Bulls in Chicago. But that is highly unlikely since Embiid is not expected to play on back-to-back nights because of load management.

Embiid, who has missed the last six games, is averaging career lows of 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.0 block. He’s also registering career lows of 37.9% shooting from the field and 16.7% on 3-pointers.

While he’ll remain sidelined, Paul George will return after a one game of load management to face the Magic (16-8) at the Wells Fargo Center.

Meanwhile, center Andre Drummond (sprained right ankle) was upgraded to questionable after being scheduled to miss the game. His status change could be tied with reserve center Adem Bona being sidelined with a bruised left knee.

The Sixers (5-15) will look to avenge Wednesday’s 106-102 loss to Orlando.