Sixers center Joel Embiid to take the court Saturday night against Utah Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY — Joel Embiid will play in the 76ers’ Saturday matchup at the Utah Jazz, after entering the day listed as questionable with a left foot sprain and sinus fracture.

Additionally, veteran guard Eric Gordon (oral surgery) and backup center Andre Drummond (left toe sprain) will remain out. Both players were listed as probable on Friday afternoon’s injury report but were downgraded to questionable Saturday morning. Wing KJ Martin (left foot stress reaction) also remains out and was in a walking boot at Saturday’s shootaround.

Embiid appeared to tweak his foot during the second half of the Sixers’ signature Christmas victory at the Boston Celtics when he landed awkwardly on a jump stop. That occurred after the superstar center tumbled to the ground during his pregame shooting routine after he inadvertently backed into a security staffer and a rope-like barrier separating the court from spectators. Embiid played 31 minutes against the Celtics and totaled 27 points, nine rebounds, and two assists — and sank two key free throws to help his team secure the 118-114 victory.

Embiid, the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player, has appeared in only nine of the Sixers’ 28 games entering Saturday because of an ongoing knee issue, a suspension, and his sinus fracture. He has been wearing a mask to protect his face in the last three games. He is averaging 21.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 28 minutes this season.

Drummond, Gordon, and Martin did not play in the Sixers’ win at Boston. Gordon also missed Monday’s home victory over the San Antonio Spurs, while Drummond and Martin were injured during that game. The Sixers (11-17) have won eight of their last 11 games entering Saturday, a surge fueled by their roster getting healthier. Their Western Conference swing continues on Monday at the Portland Trail Blazers, before a back-to-back at the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.