76ers Sidelined Joel Embiid for Detroit Matchup Due to Plantar Fasciitis

Philadelphia center Joel Embiid will miss Sunday's game against the Pistons for right foot plantar fasciitis management following a 28-point triple-double on Saturday.

The Philadelphia 76ers ruled out center Joel Embiid for Sunday night's game against the Detroit Pistons to manage right foot plantar fasciitis. According to ESPN, the team decided to sit the former MVP for the second half of their first back-to-back set this season despite Embiid publicly asking reporters to pressure the organization to let him play. Embiid recorded his tenth career triple-double in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, tallying 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Philadelphia’s frontcourt depth is further limited by the absence of Dominick Barlow (back), Jabari Walker (knee), and Tacko Fall (quad). Walker exited Saturday's contest in the third quarter after injuring his left knee. These absences leave Adem Bona as the only active true center on the roster for Sunday. Forward Dean Wade is expected to see time at center, while LeBron James has no injury designation and is available to play the position after missing Saturday's game for sciatica management.

The Detroit Pistons are also missing a key interior player, as All-NBA center Jalen Duren is sidelined for at least two weeks with a hamstring injury. Over his 10-year career, Embiid has averaged 49 games played per season due to various injuries.