76ers' Joel Embiid Out for NBA Preseason, 'Progressing' in Knee Injury Recovery

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid will not appear in any preseason games ahead of the 2024-25 season.

According to John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Embiid was assessed by doctors on Thursday as part of his left knee management and was "progressing well." He'll continue an individual treatment plan that's designed to "best support his health and wellness" ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The 76ers also officially ruled him out of their three remaining preseason contests (h/t ESPN's Tim Bontemps).

Embiid underwent knee surgery to address a lateral meniscus injury during his 2023-24 campaign.

He missed just over two months as he recovered and was eventually able to return before the end of the regular season. Embiid played in all six games of the 76ers' first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, averaging 41.4 minutes per game.

He briefly exited Game 1 of the series after seemingly hurting the same knee, but he returned in the same contest and was still able to average 33.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game on 44.4 percent shooting against New York.

Embiid also suited up for the United States men's national team in the 2024 Paris Olympics, helping Team USA win a fifth straight gold medal at the Games.

The seven-time All-Star has made it a priority to stay healthy for a potential playoff run, revealing that he lost "25 to 30 pounds" over the offseason (via Bontemps).

"It's whatever it takes to make sure that I get to that point and I'm ready to go because ... basically every single year in my career, I've been hurt in the playoffs," Embiid said, per Bontemps. "So that's the goal, and it's all about doing whatever it takes to get there."

As he plans on slowly ramping up his activity level, the lack of preseason action could result in some rust once the regular season starts. It isn't uncommon for Embiid, though. He appeared in just one preseason contest ahead of the 2023-24 season and was still able to suit up on opening night.

The 76ers will look to have Embiid ready in time for their regular-season debut on Oct. 23 against the Milwaukee Bucks.