Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid said he was 'pissed off' that the team ruled him out of Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards despite his readiness to play. He publicly questioned the decision on social media and later called out general manager Daryl Morey. Embiid shared his frustration with reporters after Friday's 115-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
On April 1, Embiid posted on social media: 'Must be APRIL FOOLS joke???? Played against Miami in the same conditions and I’m planning to play tonight!!!' He followed with another post stating, 'I guess they won't let me play basketball.' Many initially saw these as jokes given Embiid's history of social media antics, but he clarified otherwise postgame Friday. The 76ers won handily in Washington without him and beat the Timberwolves 115-103 the next Friday night. Embiid told reporters, 'I was pissed off. I wanted to play basketball. I wasn't allowed to play basketball. So, this is more of a question for Daryl Morey.' He explained playing through sickness against the Miami Heat on Monday but feeling better for the Wizards game, though he skipped shootaround. 'It caught me off guard. It pissed me off,' Embiid said. 'But it doesn't matter what I think. I have to follow directions.' Philadelphia's medical staff held Embiid out due to a three-day illness battle, according to The Athletic. The team sits at 43-34, No. 6 in the East after a 7-3 run in their last 10 games, with Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George back from injuries and suspension.
