The Philadelphia 76ers are enduring a challenging season. The frequent absences of Joel Embiid have been a significant issue for the team, and now a former NBA champion has criticized the center for his role in the team's struggles.

The Philadelphia 76ers will continue their homestand on Friday night against the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic and company are eager to snap a three-game losing streak while the Sixers will look to increase their winning streak to five.

Joel Embiid (left knee injury management) and Paul George ( left finger extensor tendon injury) are among six Sixers listed as out for the team's Friday night matchup against the Denver Nuggets, according to the team's initial injury report released on Thursday afternoon.

Winning league MVP in 2023, Embiid followed that campaign by playing just 39 games the next season. Having already missed 31 games entering Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Embiid is ineligible for season awards due to the league's 65-game minimum rule.

For the fifth straight year, Joel Embiid is depriving NBA fans of a chance to see him play Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets in Denver.

Heading into their matchup with the LA Lakers Tuesday night, one of the underlying stories was the return of JJ Redick. The former Philadelphia 76ers guard made his return to the city for the first time as a head coach.