76ers Limit Embiid Minutes, Multiple Players Out

The Philadelphia 76ers (2-0) are managing Joel Embiid’s minutes after offseason left-knee surgeries and he has been ruled out for Monday’s home game vs. the Orlando Magic under a team-imposed ~20-minute cap he has publicly criticized; he scored 20 points in 20 minutes vs. Charlotte and could be available for Tuesday’s back-to-back. The club is also shorthanded with Paul George still sidelined rehabbing his left knee and Dominick Barlow (elbow laceration), Trendon Watford and Jared McCain out, forcing rotation changes. Philadelphia will lean on frontcourt depth — Jabari Walker, Justin Edwards, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond — and backcourt contributors Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe for expanded roles. Despite the absences, Nick Nurse’s rotation management and strong supporting performances have produced early wins, but the upcoming Orlando game and the back-to-back with Washington will test the team’s depth.