Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The Philadelphia 76ers were back at their practice facility in Camden, NJ, on Wednesday morning in preparation for their game against the Spurs. The biggest story line surrounding tonight's game is the status of Joel Embiid, who has missed nine of the Sixers last 10 games due to a bone bruise. He played against Houston back on January 27, but haven't seen him since. It seems we'll have to wait a little longer to see the rookie phenom back in action as he's officially been ruled out for the teams' next two games.
Medical update:
Embiid (l.knee) out vs. SAS, not scheduled to travel to ORL. Went through workout yesterday, working out again today.— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) February 8, 2017
Beyond the next two games, there have been no decisions made, according to Philly.com's Bob Cooney. Embiid suffered his bone bruise/left knee contusion against Portland on January 20. Following the game against the Rockets on the 27th, he said that bruises normally take 2-3 weeks to heal, but he felt okay. Clearly, the Sixers believe he needs to be 100 percent before putting him back out there.
Friday night would mark three weeks since he injured the knee, so hopefully he returns on Saturday when the Sixers host the Heat before hitting the road to Charlotte and Boston. After the next two games (vs. SA, @ ORL), Philadelphia has five more, including a back-to-back, before the All-Star Game. Embiid will have opportunities to get back on the court, but at this point, he could very well not return until after the All-Star Game.
With Embiid on the mend, expect Jahlil Okafor to continue getting starts with Nerlens Noel leading the second unit. Richaun Holmes is questionable with an upper respiratory infection against the Spurs.
Embiid, 22, is averaging 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game this season for the Sixers. He has been selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge and Skills Challenge during All-Star Weekend in New Orleans next week.
