Joel Embiid remains out for Sunday’s matchup

Joel Embiid has been ruled out for the Sixers‘ game against the Hawks on Sunday, tweets Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports.

There had previously been minor optimism among the coaching staff that Embiid would be able to suit up. Kyle Neubeck, also of PHLY Sports, quoted Sixers’ coach Nick Nurse as saying, “I think there’s a chance, but I don’t know if I would put it as good, bad, or medium” when asked about the big man’s status (Twitter link).

When asked by Neubeck whether there were specific tests or benchmarks that Embiid needed to exceed before being cleared to return to play, Nurse opted against providing specifics.

“I think it’s just getting through some pain and then also some on-court activity,” Nurse said. “Kind of a combination of those things.”

Embiid has played six games for Philadelphia this season, and is averaging career lows in points (19.7) and rebounds (5.5). He’s missed the last nine games and is now set to miss at least one more.

Bodner notes that while Kelly Oubre and Trendon Watford remain out with a left knee sprain and left abductor sprain, respectively, VJ Edgecombe has been upgraded to questionable as he looks to return from the calf tightness that has caused him to miss the last three games. Andre Drummond is also listed as questionable with a right knee contusion.