Embiid scratched Sunday due to back tightness, expects to play Tuesday

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid sat out Saturday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers so he could play the second night of a back-to-back in New Orleans, but those plans were scuttled Sunday.

Embiid was a late scratch for the contest against the Pelicans due to back tightness, the team announced just before tip-off, per CSN's Jessica Camerato. It was the first game he missed due to injury this season.

Embiid told reporters after the game that he began feeling discomfort in his back during Thursday's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.

After his rest day Saturday, he said he tried to warm up for Sunday's game and realized he couldn't play, though he insisted: "If it was the Finals, I'm sure I could have gone."

Embiid added that he expects to play Tuesday in Minnesota, but will see how he feels after working out Monday.