PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are facing precarious times as All-Star center Joel Embiid continues to experience complications from his left knee injury. On Monday, the team announced Embiid would not play against the Chicago Bulls, as he is undergoing another round of medical evaluations to determine the next steps for his health, which could potentially include surgery.
Embiid, the 2022-2023 NBA MVP, has struggled with injuries this season, appearing in only 19 of the Sixers' 56 games so far. His knee has been particularly troublesome; after last playing against the Brooklyn Nets, where he had significant limitations, the team's situation is bleak. Following the game on Saturday, Embiid was slow to recover after losing the ball and was kept out of the fourth quarter, leading some to speculate about the severity of his condition.
According to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Sixers are "consulting doctors and considering alternative options, such as surgery, for his injured left knee." The team is awaiting results from recent tests to determine the severity of the knee issue and what treatment options are available.
Head coach Nick Nurse addressed the media prior to the game, stating, "We are playing and testing and trying to figure it out and go from there." Nurse added, though, the team is not yet ruling out Embiid for the rest of the season, which raises concerns for fans and analysts alike.
The Sixers are currently struggling, entering Monday's matchup with the Bulls boasting a dismal 20-36 record, sitting at 12th place in the Eastern Conference. The team's performance without Embiid has been stark; they were 8-11 with him on the court this season. Recent games show they are unable to win consistently, losing their last seven matches. With playoff aspirations fading, every absence of Embiid feels seismic, rippling through the lineup.
Tyrese Maxey, another key player for the Sixers, is also dealing with injuries. He popped up on the injury report as questionable due to a sprained right finger. The uncertainty surrounding his health only complicates the team’s efforts to regain form as they look to stabilize their season.
Embiid's limited participation is concerning for the franchise, especially after last year's campaign, which also saw him miss significant time due to knee problems. Reports confirm he underwent surgery for his left meniscus tear but has faced challenges with recovery and game conditioning this season.
Recent statistics paint a worrying picture: Embiid is averaging 23.8 points per game, but that's his lowest since the 2019-20 season, alongside shooting just 44.4% from the field—far below his career average of 50.1%. The drop-off is steep considering he was known for his scoring dominance and foundational role as the team’s centerpiece.
Coach Nurse expressed his frustrations saying, “It is disappointing, there's no question about it. I don't think anybody envisioned it going like this.” With the date closing on the playoffs, the stakes have never been higher for the Sixers to decide on Embiid's future this season.
While Embiid continues to try and play through the pain, there remains the looming prospect of him requiring extended rest to fully recover. The Sixers hope he can find the right balance between playing and healing, especially with the looming possibility of missing the remainder of the season. What many see now is not just the absence of their star player, but the essence of their playoff hopes.
Despite the grim outlook, Nurse remains cautiously optimistic, stating, "Not at this point, at all," when asked if they would shut down Embiid for the season. For the time being, the 76ers will proceed with caution as they assess the situation. With their glaring lack of wins and the uncertainty of their roster, every game becomes more complicated without their star leading the charge.
Philadelphia’s next game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday looms. Still, with recent developments, fans may not be surprised to see Embiid sidelined once again. The challenge for the 76ers isn't just regaining health, but also rejuvenation as they work against the clock and weigh their immediate and future options for their star player—and the entire season.