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Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid (back) expected to play on Christmas Day

By Michael Saenz

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates after hitting a three pointer against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2017 in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates after hitting a three pointer against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2017 in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is expected to miss the next two games, but will likely be back for the team’s Christmas Day game

The Philadelphia 76ers have lost seven of their last eight games, including two straight without the services of Joel Embiid, who is sidelined with a back injury.

As the team continues to regain its footing from their recent slide, there’s good news on the Embiid front. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi, while Embiid is expected to miss the team’s next two games he could be ready to go when the team plays on Christmas Day against the New York Knicks.

It’s only natural for the Sixers to play it safe with Embiid. With his injury history, it would be not smart not to. But if he’s ready to play on Christmas Day, that’d be a huge boost to what will already be a huge day for the NBA.

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"[via ESPN]Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, sidelined with a sore back, could miss two more games this week but is expected to return for the Christmas Day meeting with New York, league sources told ESPN.Despite the likelihood of resting his back for the rest of the week, there’s optimism that Embiid will be fit to return for the Sixers’ game against the Knicks on Monday, league sources said."

Embiid has already missed seven games this season, and that number will balloon to nine by the end of this week. To make matters worse, the Sixers are only 1-6 this season without Embiid. It’s pretty clear that the Sixers are a different team when Embiid plays – just look at last season.

But the health of Embiid comes first, especially as this team continues to develop. The Sixers are nowhere near close to their peak. Heck, Markelle Fultz hasn’t even really played this season.

And his return could also give this team a boost later on.

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I suppose the good news is that Embiid isn’t dealing with a foot or leg injury, as he has in the past. But a back injury can’t be ignored, either. Embiid needs to get healthy and return. No rush. While watching Embiid on Christmas Day would be a real trick for the mass audience, the Sixers have to play it smart – and safe – here.

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