Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, the current NBA MVP, is slated to undergo a procedure in the coming days to address a left meniscus injury, according to the team’s announcement on Sunday night. Sources close to the situation have indicated that while Embiid is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, the exact timeline will be determined after the medical procedure is completed.
This unfortunate injury comes at a critical time for both Embiid and the Sixers. The All-Star center has been leading the NBA in scoring with an impressive average of 35.3 points per game and was on track to achieve a rare statistical milestone, aiming to join Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to average at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a season—a feat accomplished solely by Chamberlain in 1961-62.
Embiid, 29, has a history of knee injuries, with previous instances of missing games due to meniscus issues. Notably, he underwent season-ending surgery on his left meniscus during the 2016-17 season, causing him to miss 37 games. The specific timeline for his return will be determined post the upcoming medical procedure.
The Sixers have faced challenges in Embiid’s absence, losing 10 out of 14 games this season when he was not on the court. Despite these struggles, Philadelphia maintains a solid position with a 30-18 record, ranking fifth in the Eastern Conference. However, their performance notably improves to 26-8 when Embiid is an active part of the lineup.
Embiid’s remarkable streak of 30-point games recently concluded in a matchup against the Golden State Warriors, during which he sustained the meniscus injury in the fourth quarter when Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga fell on his knee.
With this injury, Embiid is set to fall short of the league’s minimum 65-game requirement for postseason awards, having played in only 34 games thus far. The Sixers and their fans await further updates on Embiid’s recovery and the potential impact on the remainder of the season.
