The former MVP remains a lightning rod for a franchise desperate for a title. Whether he can stay healthy enough to carry it there remains the question.

Without a healthy Joel Embiid, the 76ers were never expected to contend for an NBA title. But get taken to the final seconds before narrowly knocking off lowly Washington? Or worse, lose to the eight-win Pelicans only hours after star forward Zion Willamson was suspended one game for breaking team rules?

PHILADELPHIA -- 76ers center Joel Embiid missed his third straight game Friday night, a 123-115 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, because of a sprained left foot. He has sat out 23 times this season.