Brett Brown says Joel Embiid needs a rest day, won't face Pistons Friday

Philadelphia big man Joel Embiid won't play Friday night when the 76ers take on the Pistons in Detroit. Sixers coach Brett Brown said Embiid needed a rest day.

"After the last few games with Memphis and Toronto, it became clear through the eye test and just listening that the time was now," Brown told reporters Friday morning. "So we've done that to help him and ultimately help our team have him for when it matters most."

Embiid has played every game this season, averaging 34.3 minutes on the floor. Through 26 games, he is averaging 26.3 points and 13.3 rebounds. But he shot just 5 of 17 for 10 points Wednesday night in a 113-102 loss to the Raptors. And he appeared lethargic on the defensive end.

"The past few games, I've been so trash," Embiid said after the game. "So I got to figure that part out if I want to help the team win some games."

Brown said he had not decided whether Mike Muscala or Amir Johnson would start in Embiid's place.