Embiid plays through foot pain under 25-minute limit

Embiid played three quarters against the Bulls before his 25-minute limit was reached. He had missed Philadelphia’s game against Charlotte on November 1, the second night of a back-to-back, under the team’s usual approach to managing his workload. He described the foot problem as painful and said it has flared up during recent games.

Coach Nick Nurse said the Sixers would continue to manage the condition carefully. Embiid finished the November 2 game with 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists, and also dove for a loose ball. He said he can feel the foot while playing.

The center is also adapting to a different role in Philadelphia’s offense. He said he is used to handling the ball frequently and creating his own shots, but now sometimes goes several possessions without touching it. Embiid said he is working on becoming effective as a catch-and-shoot option while remaining a central playmaker when the team needs him.

In five games this season, Embiid is averaging 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists. Philadelphia scored 31 fastbreak points against Chicago and is averaging 16.8 per game. Embiid said finding his place in the offense is a work in progress, and that he believes the team could improve further once he adjusts.