Bill Streicher
As we await word from the NBA about a possible suspension for Joel Embiid following Saturday's postgame incident with Marcus Hayes, the big man has been ruled out for Monday's tilt against the 5-1 Phoenix Suns.
Embiid will miss the game due to left knee injury management, the same designation holding him back for each of the Sixers' first five contests this season.
The Phoenix visit marks the first of a three-game road trip out west for the 1-4 Sixers.
Embiid told reporters at Friday's practice that he will be back "pretty soon".
Health is one hurdle that he appears to be near overcoming. Now, it's up to the league to decide whether a punishment keeping him away from the court is in line.
But, reinforcements might be on the way in the immediate future. Star forward Paul George has been upgraded to questionable for Monday's game. It would mark his debut with the Sixers, George missing the first five games of the season due to a bone bruise in his left knee.
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, George will go through his pregame workout to determine his availability. But, per Shams Charania of ESPN, George is expected to play.
