Embiid ruled out for Sunday night's game

Joel Embiid has been ruled out for the Sixers' Sunday night game against the Pacers. The star center is nursing back tightness.

Though not considered a long-term injury, this is something that has been present throughout the season. Sunday night's game will mark the fifth game Embiid has missed this season, at least a handful of which can be attributed to his back. Most recently, the 7', 280-pounder missed last Monday night's game in Detroit with the issue.

Embiid is in the middle of an MVP-caliber campaign. He is pouring in 28.3 points per game on career high shooting splits of 54.4/40.4/84.0 to go along with 11.1 rebounds. His free throw and turnover rates are also the best he's ever posted.

Tony Bradley will start in his stead, per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The 23-year-old has appeared in 7 games in his first year as a Sixer, all off the bench. He has produced 5.0 points and 6.6 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per game.

Pacers big man tandem Damontas Sabonis and Myles Turner figure to be tough assignments for Philadelphia to handle. The former is averaging 20.5, 12.2 and 5.8 assists, while the latter is one of the premier rim protectors in the game, blocking 4.1 shots per contest.

The Sixers are winless in Embiid's four absences.