Sixers vs. Cavaliers: Joel Embiid ruled OUT with back tightness

The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday evening. Joel Embiid will not be active for the game. Per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Embiid has been ruled out with back tightness.

Given that this is the second game of a back to back, with both games on the road, it’s likely this is merely an excuse to give Joel the night off. I did not see Embiid in any discomfort in their game against the Knicks, no hard fouls or falls or anything of that sort either. It’s important the Sixers ensure Joel’s health throughout the season and there’s no better time to give him rest than on a back-to-back. The Cavs are 2-0 to start the season and already look like a better team than they were last year, but the Sixers should be good enough without Embiid to pull this one out. (Doesn’t mean they will.) Look for Dwight Howard to get the start and Tony Bradley to get his first action of the season as the 2nd unit center.

We’ll keep you updated on any further developments, but I wouldn’t lose any sleep over this announcement.