Nick Nurse Optimistic About Joel Embiid's Shin Issue

Joel Embiid was ruled out of Thursday's Sixers game with right shin soreness, and coach Nick Nurse said he is optimistic the earlier right knee soreness is behind him while doctors continue evaluations and hope for a Friday workout.

Joel Embiid was ruled out of Thursday's home game against the Atlanta Hawks because of right shin soreness. This was the Sixers' first game back from the All-Star break. Coach Nick Nurse said he is optimistic and indicated the earlier right knee soreness that kept Embiid out before the break appears to be behind him. Embiid's doctors withheld clearance for the Hawks game and will re-evaluate him after a planned workout. Reported details: - Joel Embiid was ruled out for the Thursday game with right shin soreness. - Nurse said he believes the right knee issue that caused earlier absences is behind Embiid and expressed optimism about a short timeline. - Team doctors did not want Embiid to play against the Hawks and are conducting evaluations. - Nurse said he hopes Embiid will take the practice court on Friday and go through a workout for further assessment. - The medical review process involves team doctors informing Simon Rice, Vice President of Athlete Care, who then notifies Nurse about player availability. - The Sixers have road games in New Orleans on Saturday and Minnesota on Sunday, and Embiid's availability for those games will depend on the medical evaluations. Summary: Nurse's comments indicate cautious optimism about Embiid's condition while final clearance remains with the team's medical staff. The next step is the planned workout and medical re-evaluation, and Embiid's status for upcoming games will be determined after those assessments.