Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid missed Saturday afternoon’s clash with the host Milwaukee Bucks due to a right shoulder injury.

Embiid was initially listed as questionable for the Eastern Conference showdown. He tested the shoulder prior to the game but it was determined shortly before tipoff that he was unable to play.

Philadelphia also played without guard Ben Simmons (illness) for the fourth straight game. Guard Furkan Korkmaz (ankle) also was ruled out.

Embiid, considered a leading MVP candidate, is averaging 30.0 points and 11.1 rebounds in 41 games this season.

Saturday’s game was the second in three days between two of the top three contenders in the East. The host Bucks recorded a 124-117 victory on Thursday as two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 27 points, 16 rebounds and six assists.

Embiid had 24 points in that contest but collected just three rebounds in 27 minutes as the 76ers dropped their third straight game.

–Field Level Media