Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will undergo an unspecified procedure this week to correct the injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee. The 76ers announced on Sunday night that the procedure will be performed, but they did not provide a specific timeline for his return. This news comes as a blow to the team, as they have a three-game homestand this week, beginning with a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
The 76ers have struggled in Embiid's absence this season, posting a 4-10 record without their star center. His presence on the court has been crucial for the team's success, and his absence has been felt in their performance. With Embiid missing additional games due to his injury, the 76ers will have to find ways to compensate for his scoring, rebounding, and overall impact.
Embiid originally hurt his left knee during a game against the Golden State Warriors last Tuesday. An MRI revealed the extent of the injury, leading to the decision for him to undergo a procedure. This setback comes at a particularly unfortunate time for Embiid, as he had been showcasing his skills and making a case for another shot at the MVP award. However, the new collective bargaining agreement stipulates that players must participate in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for awards such as MVP or the All-NBA teams. With 13 missed games already, Embiid's chances of meeting this requirement are slim.
Despite the missed games, Embiid has undeniably been a force to be reckoned with when he is on the court. He currently leads the NBA in scoring with an impressive average of 35.3 points per game. Additionally, he is contributing 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, showcasing his versatile skill set. One of his standout performances came on January 22 when he scored a franchise-record 70 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in a victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
The Philadelphia 76ers will need to find a way to cope without Embiid's exceptional contributions for the time being. Head coach Doc Rivers and the rest of the team will have to rally together and adjust their game plan to overcome this significant loss. Other players, such as Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris, will likely have to step up and fill the void left by their star big man.
As for Embiid, his recovery and rehabilitation will now be key priorities. The team will undoubtedly provide updates on his progress and expected timeframe for return as soon as information becomes available. In the meantime, fans can only hope for a speedy recovery for the talented center.
Embiid's absence will test the depth and resilience of the 76ers. They will need to dig deep and find ways to continue their success without their MVP-caliber player. The upcoming games during the homestand will be an important test, but the 76ers remain focused on their goal of securing a strong playoff position and making a deep run in the postseason.
While this injury is undoubtedly a setback, the Philadelphia 76ers and their fans remain hopeful for a swift recovery for Joel Embiid, as they eagerly await his return to the court.
