NBA2 hours ago1 minute read

76ers Hold Out Joel Embiid Against Detroit Despite His Plea

Philadelphia rests Joel Embiid for Sunday's game against Detroit to manage his foot injury despite his request to play.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Embiid benched despite asking to play

Joel Embiid wanted to play on Sunday night against the Detroit Pistons. A day after asking reporters to campaign on his behalf, the Philadelphia 76ers decided to sit their star center anyway.

Embiid is dealing with right foot plantar fasciitis management. The choice comes right after Saturday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks, where Embiid posted his tenth career triple double with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Embiid smiled after Saturday's game and asked reporters to put pressure on the team so they would let him play. The organization opted for caution to keep the former MVP healthy. Over his 10 year career, injuries have kept him to an average of 49 games per season.

Thin frontcourt leaves few options

Sitting Embiid leaves Philadelphia short on big men for the second game of their back to back. Dominick Barlow, Jabari Walker, and Tacko Fall are also ruled out. Barlow has a back injury, Fall has a quad issue, and Walker hurt his left knee during the third quarter on Saturday.

Adem Bona is the only true center available for Philadelphia. Forward Dean Wade made his season debut on Saturday and will likely see time at center. LeBron James missed Saturday's game with sciatica management, but he has no injury designation for Sunday and can assist at center.

Detroit has its own injury problems in the frontcourt. Pistons All NBA center Jalen Duren is out with a hamstring injury and will miss at least two weeks.

What it means for the next game

Detroit Pistons at Philadelphia 76ers (NBA, Sun, 25 Oct): Philadelphia 76ers win 45%, Detroit Pistons win 55%; projected score Philadelphia 76ers 112, Detroit Pistons 115. Our safest pick: Pistons +6.5.

Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks (NBA, Wed, 28 Oct): New York Knicks win 49%, Detroit Pistons win 51%; projected score New York Knicks 111, Detroit Pistons 110. Our safest pick: Knicks +7.5.