Joel Embiid suffers from ankle pain

Joel Embiid did not play in the second half of the United States’ quarterfinal win over Brazil. Embiid is dealing with ankle soreness and U.S. head coach Steve Kerr opted not to play his starting center as a precaution.

Embiid scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 12 minutes in the first half, leading the United States to an easy win over Brazil. It was one of the best games Embiid has played for the United States this summer. With a matchup against Nikola Jokic and Serbia looming in the semifinals, Kerr wanted to make sure Embiid was ready to play Thursday.