Will Joel Embiid play today vs. Trail Blazers? Latest 76ers injury update

Joel Embiid has finally started to look like his old self again in recent games, although that momentum could be disrupted as the Philadelphia 76ers host the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.

Embiid listed as questionable again

Embiid is listed as questionable due to right knee injury management, according to the 76ers’ official injury report. The center has a long history of knee problems, and Philadelphia will be keen to avoid taking any unnecessary risks, especially with their franchise player back to something approaching peak form.

Philadelphia’s cautious approach is understandable. The Sixers know what they have when Embiid is right, and they also know how quickly things can go wrong if he is pushed too hard.

MVP form starting to return

The 2023 MVP has been putting up dominant numbers over the past two weeks. Embiid has averaged 33.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists over his last five appearances, scoring at least 30 points in eight of his last 10 games.

He logged 33 minutes in Saturday’s win over the Phoenix Suns, but the team is expected to make a game-time decision on whether he suits up again against Portland.

“I’m going to be fully back to myself”

Embiid recently suggested that his best basketball may still be ahead of him. In an interview with the California Post, the Cameroon-born star said his fitness is continuing to trend in the right direction.

“I’ll keep building on this year and keep on getting better,” Embiid said. “But probably starting next year, I think I’m going to be fully back to myself.”

More issues on the injury report

Embiid is not the only big name on Philadelphia’s injury report. Nine-time All-Star Paul George is also listed, as he is currently serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.

Playoff positioning at stake

Philadelphia enters Monday’s game sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference, currently occupying the final guaranteed playoff spot. The Sixers hold a two-and-a-half game lead over the seventh-place Orlando Magic and are three games ahead of the eighth-place Miami Heat.

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