76ers’ Joel Embiid to miss remainder of season with left knee injury
Joel Embiid, the star center for the Philadelphia 76ers, will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024-2025 NBA season due to ongoing issues with his left knee. The team announced on Friday that Embiid is “medically unable to play” and will focus on treatment and rehabilitation to address the issue.
This news comes as Embiid was already set to miss his 40th game of the season, with the 76ers facing a nine-game losing streak. Despite the team’s struggles, they were still within reach of a spot in the play-in tournament, sitting just 2 1/2 games out entering Friday’s games.
Embiid, a two-time NBA scoring champion, has been hampered by injuries throughout the season. He has also faced off-court issues, including a three-game suspension for an altercation with a member of the media. The 27-year-old has been averaging 23.8 points per game this season, a drop from his previous seasons where he averaged over 30 points and won two scoring titles.
The decision to shut down Embiid for the season comes as he has been dealing with inconsistency in his play and potential concerns about his knee. He has played in just 58 regular-season games and seven play-in tournament/playoff games since winning the NBA MVP award in the 2022-2023 season.
The Sixers, who hold a top-six protected first-round pick in the upcoming draft, will now have to navigate the rest of the season without their star player. The team will continue to work with medical specialists to determine the best course of action for Embiid’s long-term health and performance.
As the 76ers look to regroup and finish the season strong, the absence of Joel Embiid will undoubtedly be a significant challenge. Fans and teammates alike will be eagerly awaiting his return to full health and the court in the future.
