The Reason for the Absence of Harden and Embiid in The Preseason Revealed

The Philadelphia 76ers have played in two preseason games against the Boston Celtics. In both of their encounters, the 76ers lost 114-106 and 112-101. Potentially a reason for that is the fact that both Joel Embiid and James Harden didn't participate in any of the games.

What's particularly odd is that both Harden and Embiid were full participants in practice, yet the team decided to hold the two stars out.

Before the game began, Nick Nurse was questioned about the notable player absences, with questions about whether Embiid or Harden were experiencing minor offseason setbacks. Swiftly, the head coach rebutted that notion and told reporters this:





Preseason generally serves two primary purposes. It provides young, inexperienced players with valuable minutes they might not otherwise get during the regular season, offering them an opportunity to earn a place in the rotation or potentially secure a spot on the roster.

For seasoned veterans, the preseason primarily serves as a means to regain their physical conditioning and prepare for the upcoming games. Harden and Embiid fall into this camp and can certainly use some time to get ready.

Why Embiid Could be Out?

Considering Joel Embiid's recent injury during the 2023 playoffs, it's logical for him to take some time to rest during preseason. The injury in question was an LCL sprain that occurred during the first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets, causing him to miss both Game 4 of that series and Game 1 of the subsequent second-round series against the Boston Celtics.

This may also be a reason why the 76ers didn't advance as far as many had anticipated in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. The 76ers' staff likely aim to preserve his playing time for the regular season and reduce the risk of injury. This strategy of "load management" might continue into the early stages of the regular season.

Harden's Potential Reason for Absence

As many now know, James Harden and the 76ers organization are having some issues. James Harden originally exercised his player option to eventually get a long-term max deal. When Philadelphia didn't fulfill his request, that's when he asked for a trade to the Clippers in late June.

Maybe Harden is attempting to put pressure on the Philadelphia 76ers in hopes of having at least one of his requests fulfilled. It appears to be effective, as trade rumours involving the Clippers are resurfacing, per Sam Ammick of The Athletic:


Will We See the Duo Play in Preseason?

Although it's upsetting that the 76ers haven't had a proper chance to watch their two star players within Nick Nurse's new system, the opportunity may present itself next week. The 76ers next game is scheduled for Monday, October 16, against the Brooklyn Nets, marking their third preseason matchup of the year.

Should Embiid and Harden not make appearances in the upcoming game on Monday, their last chance to participate in the preseason will be on Friday, October 20. They Atlanta Hawks for the preseason finale, just six days prior to the regular season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Credits:
Sports Illustrated