Philadelphia 76ers hit with blow as Joel Embiid undergoes Knee surgery, facing extended absence
The Philadelphia 76ers face a major setback with the announcement that Joel Hans Embiid underwent surgery for a left knee meniscus injury this Tuesday, keeping him off the court for at least a month.
At 29 years old, the Yaoundé, Cameroon native suffered the injury during the Sixers’ defeat to the Golden State Warriors (107-119) on January 30.
He underwent surgery on Tuesday, and according to ESPN reports, his condition will be re-evaluated in a month.
The absence of the reigning MVP is already being felt, as the Sixers suffered another defeat in the early hours of Tuesday in Dallas, bringing their losses to four out of five in Embiid’s absence.
Despite impressive performances from Joel Embiid, averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, he has only played in 34 out of Philadelphia’s 49 games so far.
Under the terms of the recent NBA collective bargaining agreement, players must participate in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for certain awards such as MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and selection to the All-NBA teams.
While this season’s playoffs are set to begin on April 20, 2024, the Sixers still hold out hope for the return of their star player before that deadline.
ESPN insider journalist Adrian Wojnarowski emphasized that the team continues to believe in the possibility of the reigning MVP’s return this season.
