The Philadelphia 76ers can’t seem to catch a break this season when it comes to injuries, especially to their franchise centerpiece Joel Embiid. After recovering from a sprained left foot that sidelined him for six games, Embiid is now experiencing swelling in his left knee that will cause him to miss the team’s upcoming road trip.
According to the Sixers, Embiid had been ramping up his conditioning after the foot injury, but knee swelling flared up following a workout on Thursday. After consulting with the medical staff and outside specialists, the decision was made to give Embiid additional treatment time. He’ll be re-evaluated in 7-10 days, meaning he’ll miss key matchups against the Pacers, Bucks, and Nuggets.
Embiid’s Injury-Riddled Season
It’s been a frustrating stop-and-start season for the perennial MVP candidate. Embiid has now missed 26 out of a possible 39 games in the 2024-25 campaign due to various injuries and illnesses:
- Plantar fasciitis in his right foot cost him four games in November
- He missed three more in early December with a non-COVID illness
- A left mid-foot sprain shelved him for 9 games later that month
- Most recently, a more severe sprain of his left foot caused a 6-game absence
In total, Embiid has played in just 13 of the Sixers’ 39 games. While hugely impactful when on the court, averaging 33.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.8 blocks, his inability to consistently stay healthy is becoming a major concern.
Sixers Struggling to Find Rhythm
With their superstar center in and out of the lineup, the Sixers have had trouble building any sort of rhythm or continuity. The team’s record reflects that inconsistency – they are just 15-24 on the season, languishing in 11th place in the Eastern Conference.
The Sixers do tend to tread water with Embiid sidelined, going 8-18 in the games he’s missed compared to 7-6 when he suits up. But they’ll need their big man down the stretch and into the playoffs to have any chance of making noise.
Reinforcements Slow to Arrive
Unfortunately for Philadelphia, Embiid isn’t the only key player missing time. Paul George has been in and out of the lineup while battling thigh and knee ailments. Young guard Tyrese Maxey just returned from a broken foot that cost him over a month.
The Sixers’ big three of Embiid, George, and Maxey have shared the court for only 10 games, going 7-3 in those contests. If they could ever get healthy at the same time, a formidable squad remains. The question is whether that can actually happen this season, especially given Embiid’s balky knee.
It’s a real shame, because when Embiid is healthy we know what this Sixers team is capable of. But he just can’t avoid those nagging injuries. Hopefully it’s not too late to turn the season around when he returns.
– ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith
The 76ers now face an uphill climb to make the playoffs in a competitive East. With nearly half the season complete, they find themselves three games out of even the play-in spots. The conference’s depth means they can’t afford to fall much further behind.
All the Sixers and their fans can do now is hope Embiid’s latest issue resolves quickly and he’s able to return to anchor the team soon. Without their superstar, Philly’s once-lofty expectations for this season are fading further from view.
