Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers acquired the information they have been dreading all season lengthy. On Friday afternoon, the staff introduced Embiid would miss the rest of the season resulting from a knee damage. Medically unable to play, this can be a huge loss for the 76ers and Embiid.
After confirming Embiid has “consulted with high specialists,” the staff introduced the information on a PR assertion on X.
“It has been decided that he’s medically unable to play and can miss the rest of the season to give attention to remedy and rehabilitation,” stated the 76ers in an announcement. “We’re working with medical specialists to find out the precise remedy plan.”
RELATED ARTICLE: LUKA DONCIC MAKES HIS LAKERS DEBUT
Joel Embiid was restricted to 19 video games resulting from knee damage: Impression on the 76ers
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 28, 2025
The information got here days after it was reported that different therapies, comparable to injections, weren’t working for Embiid. Restricted to 19 video games on the season, Embiid has missed 39 video games. With a large lower in manufacturing, the massive man is averaging 23.8 factors, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on the season.
The Information makes senses, on condition that the 76ers maintain the twelfth spot within the Jap Convention with a 20-38 report. Having gone 1-9 of their final 10 video games, this season has been a catastrophe for Philadelphia. This determination permits Embiid loads of time to recuperate whereas additionally specializing in the long run.
After taking part in 39 video games with the Philadelphia 76ers within the 2023-2024 season, Embiid underwent a knee process and returned for the playoffs. As a member of the USA Olympic staff, he has been unable to recuperate from the damage absolutely.
Disappointment is an understatement, given the 76ers completed seventh within the Jap Convention with a 47-35 report final season. Though Embiid made his return, it in the end wasn’t sufficient to place the Sixers over the hump in opposition to the New York Knicks within the first spherical. Aiming to bounce again, nobody envisioned this occurring.
“It has been disappointing, there is no query about it”, stated Nick Nurse (Alicia Roberts/ CBS). “I do not assume anybody envisioned it going like this. It is disappointing on quite a lot of ranges. Our greatest model of our staff is with him taking part in, attending to the place we wish to go. It hasn’t labored like that [yet].”
Embiid final suited up for the 76ers within the 105-103 loss in opposition to the Brooklyn Nets. Logging 14 factors, Embiid completed 4-13 from the ground and 0-6 from three-point vary in 31 minutes. Regardless of the damage, Embiid managed to common 22.5 factors, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.8 although seven video games this month.
How Embiid’s absence impacts the 76ers
JOEL EMBIID 👏
Breaks the Sixers franchise report for factors in a recreation and joins the 70-POINT CLUB!Different members: Wilt (6x), Kobe, Elgin, Skywalker, Admiral, E book, Dame & Spida.
Most factors in Franchise historical past
Embiid: 70 PTS, 18 REB
Wilt: 68 PTS, 34 REB
Wilt: 65 PTS, 29 REB… pic.twitter.com/QRyBztRPHv— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 23, 2024
As time handed, Embiid grew to become visibly annoyed with the shortage of enchancment to his left knee. And with that, the staff has suffered from his absence. With a 12-27 report with out Embiid, the 76ers stay one worst of groups on either side of the ball. With that, Philadelphia ranks twenty fourth in web score.
The official information comes a day after Paul George introduced he would take a step again from podcasting to give attention to bringing a championship to Philadelphia. With 24 video games remaining, the 76ers stay 2.5 video games again of the Chicago Bulls for the No. 10 and ultimate play-in-tournament spot.
The information provides to a slew of accidents the 76ers have confronted all season lengthy. Whereas rookie Jared McCain sustained a meniscus tear, the staff lately introduced Eric Gordon shall be sidelined for 3 months after present process wrist surgical procedure. As well as, Kyle Lowry and Paul George have been restricted to a mixed 72 video games.
Whereas the query stays whether or not Embiid will elect for surgical procedure or conservative therapies, it’s believed the 76ers are dedicated to the construct round their star. Having signed a 3-year $193 million extension final yr, Embiid has led the 76ers to the playoffs in every of the final seven seasons.
Though it is unlucky that Joel Embiid’s season has been minimize quick, his restoration and correct care ought to profit each him and the 76ers in the long term.
Keep tuned for extra NBA-related articles. Click on right here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content material Creator, and Supervisor for Ballislife Bets. She has a give attention to the Ladies’s Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane at the moment resides within the Connecticut/NYC space together with her Cat and Canine. SJ has her undergraduate diploma in Economics from the College of Connecticut.
