Embiid doing quite a bit behind the scenes as Sixers-Bucks opener nears

Embiid doing quite a bit behind the scenes as Sixers-Bucks opener nears originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

CAMDEN, N.J. — As the clock ticks toward the 2024-25 Sixers’ season opener, it seems fair to say Joel Embiid looks like himself.

Following the Sixers’ practice Monday, Embiid did extensive, sweat-heavy work. During a half-court 3-on-3 session with members of the Sixers’ coaching staff, he drilled mid-range jumpers, threw down a dunk, and let loose on his DX crotch chop celebration after an and-one layup.

As for practice itself, Embiid was a partial participant. So was rookie guard Jared McCain, who suffered a pulmonary contusion last Wednesday.

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said that holding Embiid out of practice scrimmages is part of the team’s careful, playoff-focused plan that falls under the umbrella of “left knee management.” Embiid didn’t play in the Sixers’ six-game preseason. Game 1 of 82 in the regular season is Wednesday night at Wells Fargo Center against the Bucks.

“I would say he’s going to be very limited in that stuff as the kind of new normal,” Nurse said. “I think that he’s moving pretty good. He’s getting a lot of work in. He’s out there in 60, 70 percent of team practice until we get to the real physical stuff. And that’s going to come pretty soon, right?

“I think, again, we’re just trying to make sure we’re not overdoing it here with him this early in the year.”

Paul George (left knee bone bruise) is set to be re-evaluated Tuesday. He joined Embiid after practice to shoot jumpers and run through two-man drills under the guidance of Sixers assistant coach Rico Hines.

Joel Embiid and Paul George putting up jumpers together.

Nick Nurse said Embiid and Jared McCain were partial participants in practice. Tyrese Maxey was a full participant and George (left knee bone bruise) is set to be re-evaluated tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/6aZEzN7EnY

— Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) October 21, 2024

Nurse held off on saying anything definitive about George, Embiid and McCain’s statuses for opening night.

“I do know, just personally talking to them, they all feel good,” Nurse…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/embiid-doing-quite-bit-behind-192428211.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2024-10-21 19:24:00

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