Joel Embiid’s season cut short due to knee injury – Impact on 76ers playoff hopes
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been ruled out for the remainder of the NBA season due to a left knee injury. His absence is a major setback for the 76ers, who are struggling in the Eastern Conference standings.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will miss the remainder of the NBA season due to a lingering left knee injury, the team announced on Friday. The 30-year-old star has struggled with injuries throughout the season, appearing in only 19 games and posting his lowest scoring average (23.8 PPG) since 2020.
Embiid’s knee issues date back to last season, when a torn meniscus forced him to miss significant time. Despite undergoing surgery, he returned for Philadelphia’s final five regular-season games and the first-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks. This setback is a major blow to the 76ers, who have already faced challenges in the Eastern Conference standings.
Embiid will miss the rest of the NBA season
Despite efforts to stay on the court, injuries have continued to plague Joel Embiid, impacting both his availability and performance.
"Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have consulted top medical specialists regarding ongoing knee issues," the team said in a statement. "After further evaluation, it has been determined that he is medically unable to play and will miss the remainder of the season to focus on treatment and rehabilitation."
According to NBC News, Embiid's left knee problems date back to last season, where he was limited to 39 games due to a torn meniscus. Following surgery, he managed to return, but the Philadelphia 76ers lost to the New York Knicks.
Additionally, Embiid represented the U.S. national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but missed the start of the current NBA season due to what the team termed "left knee management." He debuted on Nov. 12, but his participation has been inconsistent ever since.
Earlier this month, Embiid acknowledged the possibility of undergoing another surgery. "When you’re dealing with something inconsistent, at some point, you’ve got to address it," he told reporters. "We’re evaluating every option."
What this implicates for Philadelphia 76ers?
The team’s final stretch of the season could have serious implications. The Sixers currently have the NBA's sixth-worst record. They owe their 2025 first-round draft pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the selection is protected for picks 1-6, meaning Philadelphia will retain the pick if it lands within that range.
Drafted third overall in 2014, Embiid missed his first two seasons due to injuries before making his NBA debut in 2016. Over his career, he has averaged 27.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. However, despite his dominance, injuries have prevented him from leading the 76ers to the conference finals.
Since his MVP-winning 2022-2023 season, Embiid has played in just 58 regular-season games. He remains under contract for four more years, with $299.5 million left on his deal, following a three-year extension signed last September.