Joel Embiid on roster for Team Africa in 2017 NBA Africa Game

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid hasn't played in a game since January 27, but could be suiting up prior to the NBA regular season. The league released their rosters for the 2017 NBA Africa game this week and Embiid is listed on Team Africa's roster. The game will be the NBA's second ever in Africa and is set to take place at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 5. The game will be played in support of  UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and SOS Children’s Villages South Africa (SOSCVSA).

“NBA Africa Game 2015 was a resounding success, and we are grateful for the support of the players and team personnel who participated. While we are investing more than ever in grassroots programming and in delivering locally relevant content to our fans across the continent, there is no substitute for live NBA games. I hope fans from throughout Africa will join us in Johannesburg or on Kwesé’s platforms on August 5 to see some of the NBA’s best players compete on African soil,” said NBA Vice President and Managing Director for Africa Amadou Gallo Fall.

It isn't clear as to whether Embiid will actually play or is just on the roster. Last season for the Sixers in 31 games, the 7-foot-2 native of Cameroon averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. Luol Deng and Thabo Sefolosha are the Team Africa captains and Embiid will also be joined by fellow Cameroon native and former 76er, Luc Mbah A Moute.

Sixers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce will also participate in the game.

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