Report: 76ers star Joel Embiid out due to coronavirus protocols

The 76ers already had three players in the NBA’s coronavirus protocols:

• Tobias Harris
• Isaiah Joe
• Matisse Thybulle

Joel Embiid makes it four.

Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia:

The Sixers on Monday learned that Joel Embiid needs to enter the NBA’s health and safety protocols, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Monday night’s game against the Knicks was a planned rest day for Embiid, the source said, but his availability moving forward is now uncertain.

Shams Charania of The Athletic:

Embiid is expected to miss at least 10 days, unless he returns two negative COVID-19 results in 24 hours moving forward, sources said. https://t.co/iYfn5vyB6m

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 8, 2021

The possibility of Embiid returning with two negative tests, rather than just waiting the 10-plus days, indicates he’s vaccinated. Even when they have rare breakthrough cases, vaccinated people tend to have shorter-lasting illnesses (and less-severe outcomes).

It’s worth asking why so many Philadelphia players are facing coronavirus issues. But for vaccinated players, perhaps it’s just bad luck. Booster shots will increase immunity.

Hopefully, Embiid won’t suffer significant symptoms. This could be a good opportunity for him to rest his nagging knee injury.

In the meantime, Philadelphia will lean more heavily on Andre Drummond and Paul Reed at center.