Philadelphia 76ers injury report: Is Joel Embiid fit to play against Atlanta Hawks?

The Philadelphia 76ers return from the All-Star break facing urgency. With 28 games left in the regular season, every result matters in a tight Eastern Conference race. Their first test comes Thursday night against the Atlanta Hawks. However, as per recent updates, Sixers’ big man Joel Embiid will not play Thursday’s game.The Sixers confirmed the update after Embiid experienced soreness in his right shin during the break. The team sits at 30-24 and sixth in the East. They have struggled without their franchise center, losing six of the last seven games he missed. With Paul George serving a suspension, Philadelphia enters this matchup short-handed and searching for stability.The organization released a detailed medical update before Thursday’s game. The statement read: “While participating in a right knee injury management program during the All-Star break, Joel Embiid reported soreness in his right shin. Following a consultation with doctors, Embiid has received daily treatment, while progressing through on-court work and strength conditioning. Further updates will be provided later this week.”A team official later added, “While participating in a right knee injury management program, Joel Embiid reported soreness in his right shin. Following a consultation with doctors, Embiid has received daily treatment, while progressing through on-court work and strength and conditioning.“He will be out for tomorrow night’s game vs. Atlanta and re-evaluated ahead of the team’s back-to-back this weekend. Further updates will be provided later this week.”Head coach Nick Nurse offered a brief on-court observation after Wednesday’s practice. According to Nurse, Embiid “was out there a little bit” and “looked pretty good.” The center will be evaluated again before the weekend road back-to-back in New Orleans and Minnesota.Despite the latest setback, Embiid’s availability has improved compared to recent years. The former Kia NBA MVP has played 31 games, 12 more than he managed last season. He is averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists while operating without the strict minute limits that once defined his workload.His presence has shaped Philadelphia’s season. The 7-footer delivered dominant stretches, including a 40-point, 11-rebound performance last month. His health has often dictated the team’s rhythm. That trend continues now.