Glenn Coleman
Dec 22, 2023 - 04:05

Joel Embiid status: Is he playing tonight against Toronto Raptors for Philadelphia 76ers? (Dec. 22)

Joel Embiid expected to play for Philadelphia 76ers against Toronto Raptors, while De'Anthony Melton could sit out due to injury.

Joel Embiid is set to take the court for the Philadelphia 76ers as they face off against the Toronto Raptors this Friday. The Sixers' injury report does not list Embiid, indicating that he will be available to play against the Raptors. However, De'Anthony Melton, another starter for the 76ers, may not be able to play after suffering a thigh contusion in the previous game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Nic Batum, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, has already been ruled out, while Robert Covington, who was previously ill, is listed as probable to return to the lineup.

Embiid's performance in the game against the Timberwolves was nothing short of remarkable. He led the Sixers to a 127-113 victory, scoring an impressive 51 points on 17-of-25 shooting, along with 12 rebounds, three assists, one block, and two steals. Tyrese Maxey also had a standout game, contributing 35 points, while Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves in scoring.

Embiid attributed his success to playing within the flow of the Sixers' offense and making the right decisions on the court. His performance marked the 12th consecutive game in which he achieved a 30-10, a feat not seen since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's streak in the 1971-1972 season.

The game's turning point came in the fourth quarter, where the Sixers outscored the Timberwolves 37-26 to secure the win. Despite the loss, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch acknowledged the Sixers' strong finish and emphasized the need to limit their scoring in future matchups.

As the Sixers prepare to face the Raptors, it is clear that Embiid's impressive performance has set a high bar for the team. However, Finch's comments suggest that there are areas the Raptors can exploit to secure a victory, even if Embiid continues his dominant play.