Joel Embiid Undergoes Knee Tests as 76ers Consider Next Steps

Joel Embiid Undergoes Knee Tests as 76ers Consider Next Steps

Joel Embiid was on the court during Saturday's game between the 76ers and Brooklyn. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a significant uncertainty, one that goes beyond the typical injury report.

For years, Joel Embiid's status was clear: when Embiid was healthy, the 76ers typically won, and when he wasn’t, they struggled. The main challenge was ensuring his health.

However, the 2024-25 season has introduced a new dilemma, as a less-than-fully-healthy Embiid has contributed to the team’s struggles.

On Monday night, the 76ers managed to avoid a loss to Chicago, a team also fighting for a playoff spot, despite the absence of Embiid. He was ruled out for knee management, though the team’s actual focus was likely more on "exploring" his knee situation and determining the best course of action moving forward.

Reports suggest that another surgery to clean up Embiid’s left meniscus, repaired last February, may be on the table—a possibility he hinted at earlier this month.

"He underwent some tests earlier today, which led to him being ruled out for tonight’s game," coach Nick Nurse explained before the game. "There will be more testing continuing tomorrow."

Embiid's persistent knee issues have complicated what used to be a straightforward narrative.

The 2023-24 NBA MVP played just 39 games last season. The 76ers posted a 31-8 record with him and 16-27 without him.

This year, however, that clear divide has broken down, as the 76ers have struggled significantly, with a 20-36 record and losses in seven straight games, including nine of their last ten.

Embiid hasn't looked like the dominant All-Star player of past seasons. The 76ers have lost every game in which he’s played over the past five outings and are 8-11 with him on the court this season.

Since returning from a 15-game absence caused by a foot injury and knee flare-up, Embiid has only been a positive presence in plus-minus on one occasion. In his six games since returning, he’s averaged 32 minutes per game, shooting 42.7% from the field for 22.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.

Embiid struggled in a loss to Boston on Thursday, scoring 15 points and registering a minus-20 in 27 minutes. He didn’t play in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s loss to Brooklyn, a move Nurse described as a strategic decision.

“I’m not playing the way I was last year,” Embiid said after Thursday’s game. “It’s frustrating, but I believe I need to fix the issue and I’ll get back to that level. It’s tough to earn trust when you’re not playing at your best. I’m not as dominant as I was, but I can still impact the game in other ways.”

So far, the team’s locker room has shown support and understanding.

Tyrese Maxey, who has stepped up in Embiid’s absence, expressed his empathy for the seven-time All-Star, highlighting the importance of supporting Embiid on a personal level as well as professionally.

“It’s bigger than basketball for us,” Maxey said. “We appreciate him putting his body on the line for us every night, trying to fight with us.”

Coach Nurse echoed Maxey’s sentiment, acknowledging that Embiid is giving what he can, despite his struggles. Nurse continues to search for the best lineup to give the team a chance to win, but the task has become more complicated.

The 76ers entered Tuesday in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, a game and a half behind the Bulls for the final play-in spot.

President of basketball operations Daryl Morey made it clear at the trade deadline that the team’s goal was to make the play-in tournament as they did last year, but now, without control of their 2025 first-round pick, losing would increase the chances of retaining the pick, which would convey to Oklahoma City if the 76ers finish outside the top six.

Despite all the challenges, the message from the 76ers has remained focused on winning, with a healthy Embiid being central to that goal.

If Embiid’s health prevents him from being a difference-maker, the team may be forced to accept that reality and plan accordingly, as they did during a four-game win streak in January without him.

“It’s been tough,” Nurse said. “So many guys have been in and out, and Embiid not playing at his best. We’ve just tried to adjust each night and take things as they come.”

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