Seven-time All-Star Joel Embiid will be re-evaluated in one week due to a right sinus fracture, the team confirmed. The 30-year-old suffered the injury toward the end of first half action against the Indiana Pacers on Dec. 13.
Joel Embiid has a right sinus fracture and will remain out. He will be re-evaluated in approximately one week, the Sixers say.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) December 16, 2024
This suggests the injury didn’t take on the worst possible outcome and that Embiid may not be sidelined for too long. Already ruled out for Monday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets, the Sixers are off after that until a back-to-back Friday and Saturday. There is a potentially tantalizing matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 23, but all eyes will be on whether he can play Christmas Day against the reigning champion Boston Celtics.
Averaging 20.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and a block, Embiid has played in just six of Philadelphia’s 23 games this season,. Monday’s game will be the first he misses because of the sinus fracture. Previous absences stemmed from left knee injury management to start the season followed by knee swelling after playing in four games.
Missing his 18th game on Monday, Embiid is now ineligible for end-of-season individual awards, due to the 65-game threshold. He won MVP back in 2022-23 and has made an All-NBA team five times.
This Sixers season has been ravaged by injuries. The big three of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Embiid have all missed extended time. Most recently, rookie sensation Jared McCain was diagnosed with a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee and is considered out indefinitely.
McCain was selected 16th overall in the 2024 Draft and is averaging 15.3 points while shooting 38.2 percent from three. He was named East Rookie of the Month for November.
Caleb Martin is also expected to miss Monday’s game against the Hornets with a right shoulder impingement.
Philadelphia is 7-16, two games out of a Play-In tournament spot and six games out of a guaranteed playoff berth.
