Sixers rookie center Joel Embiid has been sidelined since suffering a knee contusion against the Houston Rockets on Jan. 27 and has yet to play in back-to-back games after returning this season from a two year absence due to a twice fractured foot.
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However, Embiid, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft hopes that not only will he be returning to the court soon but also aims to play in consecutive nights before season’s end.
“Right now, I’m not worried, it’s a bone bruise. They talked about a meniscus, but I’m being treated for a bone bruise,” ” Embiid said in an interview with ESPN Radio. “The goal is for me to be asystematic and when that happens, i’ll be back on the court.
“I wouldn’t want to come into next season without having seeing what it’s like playing back-to-backs. Hopefully at some point this season I start playing back-to-backs.”
Embiid has been terrific when healthy this season, averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks in just 25.4 minutes per game, but has not played enough to be officially eligible yet for the Rookie of The Year award.
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Embiid’s production has come in limited minutes due to not playing in back-to-backs and being on a minutes restriction currently at 28 minutes per game as part of his rehab from his foot injuries.
“It would be great,” Embiid admitted, when asked if he believes that winning Rookie of The Year would validate his struggles and work to return to the sport this year. “I was in a bad place, but coming back and having a chance to be the rookie of the year will be for all the sacrifices that i’ve made. I’m hopeful to be back after the all-star break.”
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975.
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