Joel Embiid remained on the 76ers’ bench with Saturday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets on the line because Guerschon Yabusele was a more impactful option. The event was likely an embarrassing moment for the 7-foot-2 center who was the NBA’s most dominant player the past two seasons.

76ers coach Nick Nurse attributed the decision to keep Embiid on the bench for the final quarter so that they wouldn't disrupt the the team's rhythm. “That group was just playing so well together and had good feel for the game at that point, and just wanted to let them roll with it," Nurse told reporters.

Joel Embiid has been battling a left knee injury all season, and he's going to miss Monday night's game against the Bulls, according to a source.