Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, who won the NBA MVP award in 2023, recently revealed that he may never play back-to-back games for the remainder of his career. This statement comes as the 30-year-old center continues to manage the physical toll his body has endured throughout his time in the league.
In an interview with ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Embiid expressed his intent to prioritize long-term health over playing consecutive games. “If I had to guess, I would probably never play back-to-backs the rest of my career,” said Embiid, acknowledging the rigorous demands of the NBA schedule.
Embiid’s comment is not surprising given his injury history, which has led to him missing a significant portion of games over the past eight seasons. He has played in only 433 out of a possible 637 games due to various injuries, including foot issues that caused him to miss his first two seasons entirely.
The Sixers’ front office, including General Manager Daryl Morey, has also backed this decision, emphasizing the importance of being cautious with both Embiid and backup center Paul Reed. Morey echoed Embiid’s sentiments, stating that the team is committed to being “smart about it” when managing his playing time.
Despite his reduced availability in back-to-back situations, Embiid remains one of the league’s most dominant players. Last season, he put up remarkable numbers, averaging 34.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over 39 games. His scoring ability, defensive presence, and playmaking make him indispensable to the 76ers’ championship aspirations.
While his absence from consecutive games may raise concerns, Embiid’s performance in single-game scenarios continues to impress. On November 6, 2023, he scored 48 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out six assists in a dominant win against the Washington Wizards. He joined elite company by shooting a perfect 10-for-10 in the third quarter of that game, a feat achieved by only a handful of players in recent NBA history.
Embiid’s ability to manage his body and continue performing at a high level is key for the Sixers. His decision to avoid back-to-back games reflects a broader trend in the league, where stars are increasingly focused on longevity. This approach ensures that Embiid will be available for critical playoff moments, which Philadelphia will depend on to contend for a title.
