76ers deny Joel Embiid's push to play in back-to-back games, rest him during loss to Pistons

Joel Embiid's pressure campaign didn't work.

The Philadelphia 76ers sat their star big man on Sunday in their 106-93 loss to the Detroit Pistons due to right foot plantar fasciitis management. The contest is the team's first back-to-back of the season, following Saturday's 127-116 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Embiid appeared to know this decision was coming, too, and he tried to get out in front of it.

"I actually want to play tomorrow, so can you guys put pressure on them?" Embiid said on Saturday night, via ESPN's Kris Rhim . "... I want to play tomorrow, so start writing articles and put pressure on them so they'll let me play."

It was a good effort, but the 76ers' brass wasn't swayed. Based on Embiid's injury history, and the fact that Sunday's contest is just the Sixers' fourth of the season, it's easy to understand why.

Embiid hasn't played in more than 40 games in a single season since the 2022-23 campaign, and he's averaged only 49 games a season in his decade in the league. He played in only 38 last season due to a knee injury, an oblique injury and more.

At this stage in Embiid's career, his health is something the 76ers have to work hard to manage. So far this season, he's been great. Embiid recorded the 10th triple-double of his career Saturday night in the 76ers' win over the Bucks with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. He helped Philadelphia get off to a 3-0 start, including a season-opening win over the defending champion New York Knicks.

The 76ers also ruled VJ Edgecombe, Dominick Barlow, Jabari Walker and Tacko Fall out for Sunday's contest due to various injuries, leaving them short at the position. Walker left Saturday's win early with a left knee issue. And without them available, the Pistons held on late to grab the 13-point win.

Regardless, the 76ers clearly aren't willing to push Embiid to play in back-to-back contests when they don't have to. Now, Embiid will have to keep trying to plead his case as the season moves on.