Sixers Continue To Be Plagued By Joel Embiid Injury Issues

Joel Embiid’s injury issues continue to plague the Philadelphia 76ers.Joel Embiid is defended by Al Horford, 76ers, Celtics, NBA

The team’s star center is dealing with increased swelling in his left knee after an on-court workout Thursday, according to a team statement. Embiid, the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player, will miss the team’s upcoming road trip and will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days.

Embiid, 29, has already missed the last six games due to a left foot sprain. The 76ers said the foot injury has healed, but following consultations with medical staff and external doctors, Embiid will undergo treatment for the knee swelling in the coming days.

The MVP’s injury struggles have been a persistent issue. After playing in just 39 regular-season games last year due to a variety of ailments, Embiid has suited up for only 13 games this season. He’s averaging 24.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, a sharp decline from last year’s numbers, where he posted 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists.

The Sixers, who were expected to contend for a top spot in the East following an offseason overhaul, are instead facing a difficult season. They sit at 15-24, having lost four consecutive games. They now face a challenging stretch with road games against Indiana, Milwaukee, and Denver before returning home to play the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.

Embiid, who signed a three-year, fully guaranteed max extension in September that runs through the 2028-29 season, was expected to lead the 76ers back to title contention. Instead, the ongoing injury issues raise questions about Philadelphia’s ability to compete at the highest level this season.

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