Is Joel Embiid playing tonight against Atlanta Hawks? Exploring status of former 76ers MVP for preseason game (Oct. 14)

The Philadelphia 76ers began their preseason with two losses, playing without former MVP Joel Embiid. They now face the Atlanta Hawks on the road on Monday, aiming to end their losing streak.

Unfortunately for 76ers fans, Embiid has been ruled out for the rest of the preseason, including the game against the Hawks. The team announced on Sunday that its star center will focus on ramping up recovery for his left knee.

With Joel Embiid out, the 76ers are expected to start Andre Drummond at center.

Earlier in the year, before helping Team USA win gold at the Paris Olympics, Embiid dealt with injuries. He missed 29 games due to a left knee meniscus injury during the first quarter of the season but returned for the 76ers’ first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks.

Despite a dominant playoff performance, where Joel Embiid averaged 33 points, 10.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists, the 76ers were eliminated by the Knicks in six games.

After the Hawks matchup tonight, the 76ers will wrap up their preseason against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday and the Orlando Magic on Friday. The regular season opener is set for Oct. 23 at home against the Milwaukee Bucks.

How far can the Joel Embiid-led Big 3 take the 76ers?

Following their first-round playoff exit this year, the 76ers had an active offseason, forming a new Big 3 by adding Paul George to a roster that already included Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

Philadelphia shocked the basketball world by signing Paul George, the top free agent of the year, to a four-year, $212 million contract.

The main concern is health, as both Embiid and George have a history of missing playoff games. But if they can stay healthy, the Sixers are poised to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

The 76ers also made significant roster changes, parting ways with Tobias Harris, Buddy Hield, Nicolas Batum, Mo Bamba, De'Anthony Melton, Cam Payne and Paul Reed Jr.

However, they bolstered their lineup by adding Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson and Caleb Martin. They also secured Guerschon Yabusele, who shined with silver-medalist France in the Olympics.

In the draft, they picked up guard Jared McCain and big man Adem Bona. Additionally, they re-signed Kyle Lowry, KJ Martin and Kelly Oubre Jr., and extended Maxey’s contract.

According to ESPN BET, the 76ers are projected to win 52.5 games this season, just under the projected totals for the Boston Celtics (58.5) and the Knicks (52.5) in the Eastern Conference.