CAMDEN, N.J. -- There was injury news that prompted a gasp from Sixers fans followed by a projection by Brett Brown that caused a sense of relief.
Joel Embiid did not participate in practice on Sunday because of a left ankle sprain and continuing left knee rehabilitation.
Brown does, however, expect Embiid will practice on Monday and be available for the regular season opener on Wednesday.
Embiid went through individualized training Sunday. Following the conclusion of practice, he worked on his shot -- barefoot.
Joel Embiid hits six straight shots without shoes. pic.twitter.com/AzT4WYC3gv— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoNBCS) October 15, 2017
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Embiid taking shots after practice (he did not participate). pic.twitter.com/RoYccLAftw— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoNBCS) October 15, 2017
Embiid took spills during the preseason, including during Friday's finale against the Heat. While he has been working on his landings, Embiid still plays very physical basketball. He thrives on drawing contact, as evidenced by the 18 free throws he attempted in his debut last Wednesday.
"I'm going to live at the foul line," Embiid said after his debut last week.
Embiid scored 22 points and recorded seven rebounds against the Nets followed by five points and seven boards against the Heat. He underwent season-ending left knee surgery in March and has not played in a regular season game since Jan. 27.
