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Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers received the news they’ve been dreading all season long. On Friday afternoon, the team announced Embiid would miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. Medically unable to play, this is a massive loss for the 76ers and Embiid.
After confirming Embiid has “consulted with top specialists,” the team announced the news on a PR statement on X.
“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,” said the 76ers in a statement. “We are working with medical experts to determine the exact treatment plan.”
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Joel Embiid was limited to 19 games due to knee injury: Impact on the 76ers
pic.twitter.com/jiknvYnrXS
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 28, 2025
The news came days after it was reported that alternative treatments, such as injections, were not working for Embiid. Limited to 19 games on the season, Embiid has missed 39 games. With a massive decrease in production, the big man is averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on the season.
The News makes senses, given that the 76ers hold the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference with a 20-38 record. Having gone 1-9 in their last 10 games, this season has been a disaster for Philadelphia. This decision allows Embiid plenty of time to recover while also focusing on the future.
After playing 39 games with the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2023-2024 season, Embiid underwent a knee procedure and returned for the playoffs. As a member of the USA Olympic team, he has been unable to recover from the injury fully.
Disappointment is an understatement, given the 76ers finished 7th in the Eastern Conference with a 47-35 record last season. Although Embiid made his return, it ultimately wasn’t enough to put the Sixers over the hump against the New York Knicks in the first round. Aiming to bounce back, no one envisioned this happening.
“It’s been disappointing, there’s no question about it”, said Nick Nurse (Alicia Roberts/ CBS). “I don’t think anyone envisioned it going like this. It’s disappointing on a lot of levels. Our best version of our team is with him playing, getting to where we want to go. It hasn’t worked like that [yet].”
Embiid last suited up for the 76ers in the 105-103 loss against the Brooklyn Nets. Logging 14 points, Embiid finished 4-13 from the floor and 0-6 from three-point range in 31 minutes. Despite the injury, Embiid managed to average 22.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.8 though seven games this month.
How Embiid’s absence impacts the 76ers
JOEL EMBIID 👏 Breaks the Sixers franchise record for points in a game and joins the 70-POINT CLUB!
Other members: Wilt (6x), Kobe, Elgin, Skywalker, Admiral, Book, Dame & Spida.
Most points in Franchise historyEmbiid: 70 PTS, 18 REBWilt: 68 PTS, 34 REBWilt: 65 PTS, 29 REB… pic.twitter.com/QRyBztRPHv
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 23, 2024
As time passed, Embiid became visibly frustrated with the lack of improvement to his left knee. And with that, the team has suffered from his absence. With a 12-27 record without Embiid, the 76ers remain one worst of teams on both sides of the ball. With that, Philadelphia ranks 24th in net rating.
The official news comes a day after Paul George announced he would take a step back from podcasting to focus on bringing a championship to Philadelphia. With 24 games remaining, the 76ers remain 2.5 games back of the Chicago Bulls for the No. 10 and final play-in-tournament spot.
The news adds to a slew of injuries the 76ers have faced all season long. While rookie Jared McCain sustained a meniscus tear, the team recently announced Eric Gordon will be sidelined for three months after undergoing wrist surgery. In addition, Kyle Lowry and Paul George have been limited to a combined 72 games.
While the question remains whether Embiid will elect for surgery or conservative treatments, it is believed the 76ers are committed to the build around their star. Having signed a 3-year $193 million extension last year, Embiid has led the 76ers to the playoffs in each of the last seven seasons.
Although it’s unfortunate that Joel Embiid’s season has been cut short, his recovery and proper care should benefit both him and the 76ers in the long run.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator, and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the Women’s Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Connecticut.
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