Nick Nurse addresses Joel Embiid’s minutes as the Sixers face the Magic

On By Littum

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Philadelphia 76ers will get back at it on Friday when they take on the Orlando Magic to begin a 3-game road trip. The competition also features an NBA Cup matchup as the Sixers look to get on the board in the group stage.

After missing Wednesday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers because it was a back-to-back, Joel Embiid returns to the floor for his second game of the season. The big man has been dealing with a left knee issue dating back to the 2023-24 season, and the Sixers are slowly working him back as they move forward with their season.

Embiid was on a minute restriction in his Nov. 12 season debut against the New York Knicks and will remain on one against the Magic, but coach Nick Nurse wants to turn it up a bit.

“We’ll keep an eye on him again, but probably more than the other night,” Nurse said of Embiid’s pregame minutes. “I think it’s a good opportunity, with a few days off after this game, to push him up tonight and see how he reacts.”

The Sixers have two days off before facing the Miami Heat on Monday to continue the road trip. It would be good to see Embiid play a little more minutes in this case as they move forward with their season.

Tip from the KIA Center is set for 7:00 PM EST.