Joel Embiid Is Actually Playing Basketball on a Monday

The most surprising news in the NBA isn't a blockbuster trade or a 50-point game. It is the fact that Joel Embiid is actually playing basketball on a Monday.

Underdog NBA reported that the Philadelphia 76ers big man will officially start, successfully surviving his latest bout of "injury management." If you had him in your fantasy lineup or were waiting to see how the betting lines shifted, you can finally exhale.

"Underdog NBA reported: 'Joel Embiid (injury management) will start Monday.'"

Embiid is currently averaging 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. Those are solid numbers for a normal human, but a bit of a dip for a guy who usually looks like a cheat code when his joints actually cooperate.

The phrase "injury management" has become the most powerful two-word combo in Philadelphia. Embiid’s career injury log reads like a medical textbook that fell down a flight of stairs. He has missed time for his knee, his foot, his face, and general existence over the last few years.

From a market perspective, Embiid stepping onto the floor completely rewrites the math. A star of his caliber swings a point spread by four or five points by simply tying his shoes. Books have to hold their breath until tip-off just in case a stiff breeze hits him during warmups.

For now, Sixers fans get to watch their franchise cornerstone actually play the sport he is paid to play. We will see how he looks out there, but you might want to enjoy it while it lasts. The next scheduled rest day is probably already circled on the calendar.