Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Friday. He will be re-evaluated in six weeks. The 2023 NBA MVP dealt with the injury for the entire 2024-25 campaign. Unfortunately, it limited him to only 19 games. In addition, Embiid wasn't productive, at least compared to previous season, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and a career-low 29.9% shooting from behind the arc. While his days of being the best player in the league could be over, he at least could remain in the conversation. But first Embiid will need to figure out how to stay healthy, something he hasn't been able to do since being selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Joel Embiid Will Undergo Arthroscopic Surgery On His Left Knee
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee next week, a team official tells ESPN. Embiid's season was shut down in late February as he and the 76ers met with doctors to determine a treatment plan for his lingering knee issues. It was determined that surgery was the best option for the 31-year-old. According to Charania, it will be the second surgery on that left in the last 14 months. The big man played in just 19 games this season, posting averages of 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 0.9 blocks over 30.2 minutes per contest.
According to Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, center Joel Embiid (knee) has consulted with "many doctors and specialists" regarding the plan for his ailing left knee. While a decision hasn't been made about how to proceed with treatment, Nurse expects one "soon-ish." It's been a horrendous year for the 76ers, a team many believed would make a deep playoff run. Unfortunately, that likely won't happen, with Philadelphia barely alive for a Play-In berth. Embiid's health is a big reason for the team's struggles, with the 31-year-old averaging only 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 0.9 blocks, all down from the 2023-24 campaign. Even worse, he was limited to only 19 games, mostly because of a left knee injury. With that in mind, surgery appears to still be on the table for the 2023 MVP. But with the delay in treatment, it seems there's a realistic chance this situation will follow Embiid into next season.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will officially miss the remainder of the season due to the same knee issues he's been experiencing since last season. The team issued a statement that said they are working with Embiid and "top specialists" to figure out the best treatment for his ongoing knee troubles. They also stated that they're looking to better his "long-term health and performance." This means the former MVP finishes the year with 19 appearances and averages of 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 threes, and 3.3 turnovers per game. Guerschon Yabusele, Andre Drummond, and Adem Bona will split minutes at center from here on out.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) won't suit up on Wednesday against the Knicks, as expected. The 2023 NBA MVP is listed as out for injury management purposes. But with the Sixers drifting away from a Play-In spot, fantasy managers may not see him for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. With Guerschon Yabusele (eye) sidelined, Andre Drummond will likely get the start. Adem Bona is worth grabbing off the waiver wire, where available, considering he may be in line for increased production for at least a few games.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) won't play against the Chicago Bulls on Monday. Charania also reports that Embiid and the 76ers are consulting with doctors and meeting with specialists after he completed new imaging on Monday. Lately, there has been speculation about whether the Sixers will shut down the 30-year-old for the remainder of the season. Fantasy managers should think about adding Andre Drummond, where available, considering he could be in line for more time on the floor moving forward if Embiid remains on the shelf. Guerschon Yabusele would be in the same boat if the big man is shut down, with the 29-year-old averaging 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 27 starts this season.
Joel Embiid Misses Practice, Questionable For Monday
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) did not practice on Sunday morning and is considered questionable for Monday's game against the Bulls. He didn't look the best during Saturday's loss to the Brooklyn Nets, finishing with only 14 points while failing to make any of his six three-point attempts. Embiid was also limited to just 31 minutes of work, sitting out the entire fourth quarter. The 2023 MVP has been under the microscope of late, with many calling for him to be shut down for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. As a result, fantasy managers should think about adding Andre Drummond, where available, considering he could be in line for more work moving ahead. Guerschon Yabusele would also be in the same boat if Embiid is shut down, with the 29-year-old averaging 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 27 starts this season.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is not on the injury report for Thursday's game against the Boston Celtics, indicating that he will be back on the floor. Embiid missed Philadelphia's previous game, the second leg of a back-to-back, against the Brooklyn Nets on Feb 12. He has featured in four of the team's last six games, averaging 26.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 33.3 minutes. Embiid's return will likely result in Guerschon Yabusele moving to the power forward position, with Quentin Grimes dropping out of the first unit.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) practiced in full on Tuesday. "Good Today," said head coach Nick Nurse regarding Embiid's participation. "He seemed like he was moving good and practiced very hard today." The 30-year-old logged 38 minutes in the 76ers loss to the Raptors before the All-Star break, totaling 27 points, 12 rebounds, one steal, and one block. However, he wasn't available versus the Brooklyn Nets the following night. While that has been the norm for Embiid regarding his participation in back-to-back contests, fantasy managers will still need to wait for the official word regarding his availability heading into Thursday's game against the Celtics. If he's not out there, Guerschon Yabusele will take his spot in the rotation. Yabusele is coming off a rough showing, amassing five points, two boards, and one assist in the loss to Brooklyn. Yet, he's capable of playing better, so fantasy managers can give him another chance if Embiid can't suit up.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) won't suit up against the Brooklyn Nets. Wednesday's game is the second half of a back-to-back set for the Sixers and Embiid will get the night off for rest maintenance. On Tuesday, the big man posted 27 points,12 rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal across 38 minutes in a 106-103 loss to the Raptors. With the 30-year-old sitting out this evening, Guerschon Yabusele will likely start at center and see an uptick in extra minutes. Veteran center Andre Drummond will also be available to help out the teams frontcourt.