Joel Embiid (foot) available vs. Toronto

The 76ers didn’t have Joel Embiid (foot) on Sunday, leading to Walker making his first start of the season. He provided solid value in rebounds, blocks and three-pointers, playing 25 minutes. Walker’s long-term fantasy outlook doesn’t change, but he can be valuable when allowed to start for the former MVP. Tacko Fall even appeared on Sunday, but that’s unlikely to happen on Monday against the Nets if Embiid plays.

Embiid will sit the first leg of this back-to-back, which means he’ll likely return to take on the Nets on Monday. Adem Bona will likely start at center, though they did start LeBron James at center in one of Embiid’s two absences so far this season, which could allow Dean Wade to remain a starter.

Embiid banged knees with Ja’Kobe Walter in the first quarter, which forced him to exit the game briefly. Thankfully, he wasn’t gone long and was able to finish out the game. This was his fifth 20-point game of the season, though he did finish with a season-low four rebounds. Embiid may not be the player he once was, but he is certainly still able to stuff the stat sheet when needed.

While Embiid appeared to tweak something in his left foot/ankle during Tuesday’s loss to the Celtics, his right foot has been an issue for longer. If he can’t play on Thursday, the 76ers could move Dean Wade into the starting lineup, while Jabari Walker would take on more responsibilities.

Given the current state of Philadelphia’s center rotation, it’s been tough for Embiid to get the break he clearly needs. The former MVP has been playing through a right foot injury and appeared to tweak something in his left foot during the third quarter. And if not for an 11-of-13 night at the foul line, Embiid’s final stat line would have looked a lot worse. After Thursday’s game against the Raptors, the 76ers have a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday, hosting the Pacers before visiting the Nets. That could be a spot where the 76ers look to rest Embiid, if possible.

Coming off one of the worst games of his career, Embiid was far more impactful on Sunday. Eight of the former MVP’s 10 rebounds were on the offensive end, helping Philadelphia extend possessions and outscore Chicago 33-12 in second-chance points. This was Embiid’s third game this season with at least 10 rebounds and five assists, and his first since October 24 against the Bucks.

Embiid is set to play after the 76ers listed him as probable on the initial injury report. He’ll take on his usual role as the team’s starting center.

Embiid is on the 76ers’ injury report for plantar fascia injury management, but the probable tag suggests he’ll be available. If he can’t play, the 76ers may start without a center, with Dean Wade moving into the starting lineup.

With Jarrett Allen (knee) out, many fantasy managers may have expected a big night from Embiid. He didn’t come through, to say the least. Embiid missed all nine of his shots from the field, with six free throws separating him from a scoreless night. The rebounds and blocks were decent, but this was a night to forget for Embiid and those rostering him. But he wasn’t alone, as LeBron James (8/7/3/2/1) shot 3-of-12 from the field and committed six turnovers. They’ll look to bounce back on Sunday against the Bulls.

With Jalen Duren (hamstring) still out for the Pistons, Embiid had his way in the paint Wednesday. The 32-year-old center had 26 points on 18 attempts, drew five fouls and made all 10 of his free throw attempts. The 76ers have two more games this week, but with two more off days as well Embiid will have a chance to stay in the lineup.