Philadelphia 76ers will play without Joel Embiid in the opening game of the preseason against the Toronto Raptors Monday.

Fortunately, Embiid is not ruled out due to injury-related issues, but for rest purposes, according to the 76ers’ injury report.

As expected, the Sixers are going to take it easy with Embiid this offseason. The All-Star center is coming off a partially torn meniscus that occurred the last time he took the court in the second round of the playoffs.

Last season, Embiid was a runner-up in the regular season MVP voting behind Nikola Jokic. He averaged 28.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per contest.

Doc Rivers said in a media session that Embiid and other key veterans are expected to play in one or two preseason games.

In contrast, Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, and other players will be available to play, and we will definitely see them having a bigger role in the preseason.