**Joel Embiid to Miss Saturday's Game Against Memphis Grizzlies, Return Postponed**

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is set to miss his team's game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. Initially, there was hope that the center might return after missing the first four games of the regular season due to a left knee injury, but Embiid confirmed during practice on Friday that he won't be playing. This postpones his earliest potential return to Monday for an away game against the Phoenix Suns.

The 76ers have struggled in Embiid's absence, recording performances such as a 124-109 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks and a 115-107 defeat by the Toronto Raptors. The team did manage a narrow 118-114 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers before falling to the Detroit Pistons 105-95. Emphasizing their struggles, the 76ers have the 26th-ranked scoring rate this season, averaging 106.5 possessions per game with a minus-7.2 net rating. They also shoot a league-low 27.7% from three-point range and have yet to reach 20 assists in a game، a milestone every other team has achieved so far.

In addition to Embiid, Paul George has also been sidelined due to a left knee bone bruise sustained during preseason. The silver lining for Philadelphia fans is that both players participated fully in Friday’s practice, indicating a potential return soon. Embiid's return is now being eyed during Philadelphia’s road trip, which includes contests against the Phoenix Suns and both Los Angeles teams, the Clippers and the Lakers.

Philadelphia was fined by the NBA on Tuesday for making public statements that were inconsistent with Embiid's health status. Moving forward, the 76ers plan to adopt a cautious approach concerning Embiid’s and George’s health. General Manager Daryl Morey emphasized earlier this month that they would be prudent, potentially avoiding playing Embiid and George in back-to-back games to ensure their wellbeing for the postseason.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Embiid's extended ramp-up process marks a shift to a "new normal" for the player. This strategy will involve periodic rest and routine knee checkups throughout the season to manage his condition effectively.