The 76ers have major decisions to consider with Joel Embiid’s knee injury.
The 2022-23 NBA MVP was diagnosed with a displaced flap — or a type of tear — of the meniscus in his left knee and, as a result, is considering surgery, sources told The Athletic.
Per the outlet, Embiid’s doctors and the 76ers will continue discussing the best course of action, and one source close to Embiid suggested a decision would likely be made on Monday.
On Thursday, Philadelphia announced that Embiid injured the lateral meniscus in his left knee prior to the team’s 127-124 road win against the Jazz, and he was ruled out for the remainder of the weekend, including a Saturday night game against the Nets.
Now, this may be a bump in the road that prolongs past the weekend and has ramifications for the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (25) defends in the second half. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Embiid originally injured his knee against the Pacers on Jan. 25, a game in which he played 31 minutes and scored 31 points.
He then sat out the following two games against the Nuggets and Trail Blazers, and because of his late scratch in the former contest, the 76ers were fined $75,000 by the league for failing to include Embiid on the injury report “in an accurate and timely manner.”
Embiid returned Tuesday against the Warriors but re-injured his knee in the fourth quarter when Jonathan Kuminga fell on his left knee.
If this becomes a long-term issue for the 76ers and Embiid, it shakes up the East playoff race.
Philadelphia entered Saturday in fifth place in the conference at 30-17, going 4-9 without Embiid this season.
It could also take him out of the running for the MVP award, as the NBA requires candidates to play in at least 65 games to be considered for the honor.
Embiid has only played in 34 of the 76ers’ 47 games this year.
Joel Embiid has been battling a left knee injury. Getty Images