After going more than a month without experiencing a single unplanned absence, Joel Embiid has missed five games in a row due to a knee ailment which the Sixers say has morphed into a shin issue.

Joel Embiid reported soreness in his right shin over the All-Star break and will miss the 76ers' game against Atlanta on Thursday night.

If Nick Nurse is concerned about the latest injury ailing Joel Embiid's right leg, he's putting on quite a poker face.

Before the trade deadline, the Sixers were riding a high. Just a few weeks later, they have a lot of work to do to get back to where they were.

Entering Sunday’s game in Minnesota, Philadelphia had lost nine of its last 10 games without Joel Embiid in the lineup. His absence was clearly felt by rookie VJ Edgecombe who said, “We miss Joel. It’s that simple. He’s a walking 30 points,” after a bad loss at home against Atlanta on Thursday night coming out of the All-Star break.

It is certainly worth noting that this game will be the front of a back-to-back, the Sixers visiting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. So perhaps he'll be available for that game.

Philadelphia 76ers big man Andre Drummond discusses the team's struggles without star Joel Embiid.