As the Sixers got back to work, the status of star big man Joel Embiid was the focus. The big fella missed Monday's loss to the Phoenix Suns due to a left foot sprain that one can assume he suffered on Christmas Day in Boston.

Because of injuries to both players, the two All-Stars have played together in only 12 of the Sixers’ 33 games. On Saturday, Embiid finished with game highs of 28 points and 12 rebounds in just three quarters of action. George, who also sat out the fourth quarter, added 17 points, six assists, and two steals.

Embiid scored a season-high 37 points on Monday in Portland, and the way he got those points was the most encouraging sign.

Over his last five games, Embiid is averaging 30.4 points per game which is up from his season average of 24.4. The big fella has taken games over and has thrown the Sixers on his back at times in recent games.

Ahead of Nick Nurse’s pregame media availability Monday, the Sixers ruled out Joel Embiid and Kyle Lowry. The reasons were given as a left foot sprain and hip soreness, respectively.

Joel Embiid is back to posting high-scoring performances after a slow start to the season. The 76ers center is coming off Saturday night’s showing of 28 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in just three quarters against the Brooklyn Nets.

This Sixers jumped out to an early lead against the Nets and never looked back. They'd go on to finish their road trip on a high note, winning by a final score of 123-94. For most of the season, Guerschon Yabusele has been a key contributor for the supporting cast.