Embiid prioritizing long-term health, expects to return next week
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is thinking big picture when it comes to his health, which is why he's sat out a number of games with a sore left knee he feels he could have continued playing on.
"It's all about long-term preservation and making sure I'm ready not just for the playoffs, but also for the next 15 years," Embiid said Saturday, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps. "Knowing the team, what we've been through, and knowing me and I like to push everything, I like to play through anything. We just felt like it was better to preserve."
Embid added he expects to return to action at some point next week.
He's yet to suit up for Philadelphia since returning from the All-Star break, although his absence hasn't hurt his squad. The Sixers entered Saturday's matchup with the Golden State Warriors having won four of their last five games.
Embiid had been experiencing discomfort in his knee leading into the break, but an MRI revealed no structural damage. He's been sitting for both physical treatment and load management.
"Game by game, I felt like it was getting worse," Embiid added. "I felt like me, personally, I didn't feel comfortable. Coming from me you know that if I don't want to push through anything, I really need (the rest)."
The 24-year-old big man ranks fifth in the Association in points per game (27.3), second in rebounds (13.5), and seventh in blocks (1.91) for the 40-22 Sixers.
"Right now it's all about preserving, all about the playoffs," he said. "I've said it in the past, but I've matured a lot. I've learned not to fight on stupid stuff. If the team wants me to rest, I'll listen, and if I feel good, I'll play. But if I need some rest, at the end of the day, it's all about being healthy. I understand it.
"They've got my back, and I've got theirs ... if I felt like my teammates needed me, the coaches needed me really bad, I would feel compelled to play. But right now, with the knee and with the guys we've added, it's also good to learn how to play without me; I actually think it benefits us, and I am excited to come back and fit in."