The NBA will see more of young center Joel Embiid in the 2017-18 NBA season. However, he remains limited with the Philadelphia 76ers deciding not to play him when they have back-to-back games on their schedule.

Reporters recently asked Embiid regarding this matter because the 76Ers are taking on the Toronto Raptors tonight. It is the second game of their first back-to-back this season.

Yesterday, they took on the Boston Celtics and lost, 102-92.

For Embiid, sitting out the game against the Raptors is not okay. However, he added that there is a plan and they must follow it. Despite this, the Cameroonian is optimistic that there will be a time this season when he sees action in back-to-back games for the 76ers. That is something he aims for because as of the moment, the 23-year-old feels like he is not an NBA player due to the restriction they are imposing on him.

It is understandable why the 76ers are keeping Embiid's minutes in check. They are practicing cautiousness with all the health issues he suffered in the past.

Embiid missed what could have been his first two years (2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons) in the NBA when he dealt with a lingering foot injury. Last season, he just saw action in 31 games. A leg injury abruptly ended his rookie year.

Embiid struggles versus C's

Missing the game versus the Toronto Raptors may be beneficial to Joel Embiid, especially since he struggled in the Philadelphia 76ers' loss to the Boston Celtics. Embiid had his worst offensive performance as a pro when the 76ers faced the Celtics.

In almost 30 minutes on the hardwood, Embiid tallied 11 points only for the 76ers. He shot 4-of-16 from the field, including 0-of-6 from three-point range. The majority of Embiid's attempts from long range were open looks.

The former Kansas Jayhawk made up for it by recording 14 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks.

Next appearances

If Joel Embiid is going to be on the sideline when the Philadelphia 76ers visit the Toronto Raptors, the next time he steps on the court will be on Monday, October 23. In that day, the 76ers are in the Motor City for a showdown with the Detroit Pistons at the Little Caesars Arena. That is an exciting game since Embiid is going toe-to-toe with Andre Drummond. The latter is one of the best centers in the league today and is a former NBA All-Star.

On October 25, Embiid and the 76ers are heading back home to the City of Brotherly Love to host James Harden and the Houston Rockets.