Status of Joel Embiid vs. Nikola Jokic, Serbia currently unclear

Sunday was supposed to be Joel Embiid’s Olympic debut. After falling ill, it’s unclear whether the Philadelphia 76ers star will get the chance to face Serbia, led by fellow superstar Nikola Jokic.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Embiid fell ill after Friday’s events. As a result, he did not train with Team USA on Saturday morning.

So far, Embiid’s playing status is unclear. While there is a chance he won’t be able to play, USA head coach Steve Kerr noted that he was “confident” the team will have everyone healthy, including Embiid.

During the U.S. pre-Olympic tour, Embiid was a regular member of the team’s starting five. After battling to recover from his knee in the latter stages of the 2023-24 NBA season and through the playoffs, Embiid is fully healthy for international play.

Sunday’s Olympic opener is a big one for the U.S., as they face off against Jokic’s teams. Currently, Jokic is a six-time All-Star with three MVP nominations to his name. After Embiid stopped Jokic from winning the solo award for a third straight season, Jokic brought the trophy back home in 2024.

Now the Serbian superstar wants to help his team compete in the Olympic Games in Paris.

The United States will face Serbia on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. (Eastern Time).

In addition to Embiid, Team USA will also be keeping a close eye on the statuses of Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis. Like Embiid, Davis is reportedly battling an illness and has missed several practices recently.

Durant is battling a calf injury, which will keep him out of the pre-Olympic Games. Durant has recently returned to training. Based on Kerr’s statement, it appears that Durant could be back in time for the start of the Paris Games.

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