Joel Embiid's game status for the 76ers-Celtics on Saturday

The Philadelphia 76ers previewed a preseason road trip on Friday evening. The Sixers started in Iowa and took on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Going into the game, the team knew they would be without their star center Joel Embiid.

As the Sixers gathered for a practice session on Thursday, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse announced that Embiid was not with the team. The big man was undergoing a scheduled examination of his knee.

While Nurse did not confirm Embiid's return, all signs point to the star center missing on both ends of the back-to-back set.

During his pregame press conference, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse announced that former Celtics forward Guerschon Yabusele would start at center, according to Celtics writer Taylor Snow. All signs point to both Embiid and Andre Drummond missing the action in Boston.

When the Sixers opened their 2024 pre-season, they hosted the New Zealand Breakers. Embiid was ruled out for the night. In the big man's absence, the Sixers started Andre Drummond and had Adem Bona and Guerschon Yabusele play the backup five.

On Friday, the Sixers used the same strategy. While the team was fortunate to get its first All-Star addition in Paul George, the Sixers were unable to defeat the Timberwolves. In the end they failed with a 121:111 defeat.

The Philadelphia 76ers on SI The show is available on streaming platforms Spotify, Apple and Amazon.

The Sixers continue their preseason on Saturday against the Celtics. Nick Nurse expects some key players to be out as the team wants to ensure some of their key players get some rest between games.

After a battle in Boston, Monday would be the Sixers' next opportunity to compete in the preseason. They will continue their three-game road trip with a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.

Perhaps the Hawks game will be the first opportunity to debut the star trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

More 76s on SI

Paul George's Sixers debut against Timberwolves

Nick Nurse reacts to the 2025 NBA poll results

Joel Embiid health update

Danny Green retires; Release Statement