PHILADELPHIA – Joel Embiid’s ongoing knee troubles are causing significant uncertainty for the Philadelphia 76ers as they continue to grapple with his availability. The towering center missed another game against Chicago due to continuous issues with his left knee. More diagnostic tests were performed, and further evaluations are scheduled, leaving his immediate future in question. Options ranging from rest to surgery are being considered, contingent upon the outcomes of these assessments.
As concerns rise in Philadelphia, the looming question is whether Embiid has already played his final game this season. Coach Nick Nurse dismissed this speculation, asserting, “We are playing and testing and trying to figure it out and go from there.”
Embiid’s appearances have been scarce this season, with only 19 games out of 57 under his belt, as the Sixers’ season flounders at 20-37. A grim 142-110 defeat by the Bulls highlighted the team’s struggles, plummeting them further away from securing a spot in the NBA play-in tournament. Although Embiid has maintained an average of 23.8 points per game, a notable drop from his previous averages of over 30 points, his recent performances have been underwhelming.
Coach Nurse expressed disappointment with the season’s trajectory, stating, “I don’t think anybody envisioned it going like this… He wants to play. We want him to play. Our best version is with him playing. It hasn’t worked out like that. Yet.”
Saturday’s loss to Brooklyn saw Nurse keeping Embiid on the bench for the entire fourth quarter. Embiid’s performance was lackluster with only 14 points and missing all his attempts from beyond the arc. Despite a rally that brought them back into the game, the Sixers fell short in the final moments.
Having been plagued by injuries, Embiid has seen limited action since securing MVP honors in the 2022-2023 season. His earlier struggles with a torn meniscus in his left knee, which required surgery, continue to impact his performance. Although he returned to play in the playoffs and later participated in the Olympics, Embiid acknowledged the insufficient recovery time post-surgery is affecting his current form.
Embiid isn’t alone in his struggles; fellow All-Star Paul George is also facing hardships. Despite a lucrative four-year contract, George has been unable to reach the scoring heights expected, battling a variety of injuries. He has relied on painkillers to manage the demands of playing through these setbacks, providing Embiid with advice about enduring such challenges.
Yet, time is a dwindling resource for the 76ers to reverse their fortunes this season. George highlighted their defensive lapses as pervasive issues and emphasized the importance of commitment and hard work.
Current team statistics don’t paint a hopeful picture, with a 7-8 record when Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey play together. Facing eight consecutive losses, the team might consider shutting down key players like Embiid and George to focus on the future.
“The sheer number of guys that have been out and in and out and not playing, then him playing at less than his best, all those things have been a challenge. Just try and figure it out night by night and take it as it comes,” Nurse remarked.
