Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the host Cleveland Cavaliers, the team announced.

Embiid, 31, is sitting out the second day of a back-to-back set as the team attempts to limit his early-season workload because of his chronic left knee issues. He recorded 20 points in 26 minutes in Philadelphia’s 113-111 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday.

“It’s always going to be tough on a back-to-back,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. “We’ve got to bounce back immediately. Obviously, a very tough opponent is waiting for us.”

A 2022-23 MVP and seven-time All-Star, Embiid is averaging 17.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in five games this season.