The Philadelphia 76ers revealed on Thursday night that reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid has injured the lateral meniscus in his left knee.
On Wednesday night, Embiid was seen physically struggling during the team’s loss against the Golden State Warriors. It has since been revealed that he has indeed suffered a torn meniscus.
Embiid’s health has become a significant storyline lately, with the 76ers being fined $75,000 for not reporting his injury ahead of a recent game against the Denver Nuggets “in an accurate and timely manner.” He did not begin the day on the injury report but was ruled out with “knee soreness” before tipoff.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Embiid has averaged 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 34 games this season, shooting 53.3 percent from the floor, 36.6 percent from 3-point range, and 88.3 percent on free throws. It remains to be seen how his meniscus injury will impact the rest of Embiid’s season, as the team stated he will be ruled out as a treatment plan is finalized this weekend.
The 76ers have largely managed to transcend the circumstances of trading James Harden early in the season without replacing him with another NBA superstar to pair with Embiid. However, with the reigning NBA MVP suffering such a significant injury, it’s unclear how they will continue to do so.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Tyrese Maxey will be relied on in an even greater capacity for however long Embiid is sidelined due to his meniscus injury. Maxey, already in a career year, has averaged 25.7 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 42 games this season.
