It's always best practice to be extra careful with any sort of knee or ankle injury with players of Joel Embiid's size. The two-time All-Star has had a lengthy history of knee, ankle and back injuries since he's been in the league, and after committing himself to getting in better shape during the offseason, this was supposed to be the season that he could finally play 70 or more games.
That is still in play, and after his 15-point, 13-rebound performance in the Philadelphia 76ers' win over Boston in the season opener, Embiid looked to be moving with more fluidity and improved his conditioning. The Sixers will need the big man on the floor as much as possible to seriously contend for a championship this season, and while he'll likely miss an occasional game here or there, ensuring he's healthy will be crucial to Philly's success. Even if that means sitting him out at the slightest chance of an injury.
That's exactly what the Sixers will do Saturday night as they're sitting Embiid against the Detroit Pistons due to a sprained right ankle he suffered against Boston.
Embiid participated in shootaround, tested out his ankle and decided it was better to play it safe than sorry. While it might be concerning given Embiid's injury history, this looks to be nothing more than precaution for their prized center. Luckily for the Sixers, they're better equipped to handle Embiid missing a game than in previous years with the addition of Al Horford in the offseason.
Still, missing Embiid in a matchup against Andre Drummond, who has been dominant to start the season for Detroit while Blake Griffin is rehabbing from a hamstring injury, is a blow to their defense. Embiid has had Drummond's number nearly every time they've faced each other, averaging 29 points and 10 rebounds in the six times he's played against the Pistons throughout his career.
