Joel Embiid will be sidelined for Thursday’s game against the Utah Jazz as he undergoes further evaluation on his left knee. The injury occurred during Tuesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors, intensifying concerns about the recurring knee issues Embiid has faced this season.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is facing a setback as he sits out Thursday’s game against the Utah Jazz, awaiting further evaluation on his left knee within the next 24 hours, according to a team official speaking to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Embiid sustained the injury during the fourth quarter of Tuesday night’s 119-107 loss to the Golden State Warriors. The incident unfolded with just over four minutes remaining in the game, as he was double-teamed by the Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green.
Kuminga’s attempt to dislodge the ball led to him falling onto Embiid’s knee, causing visible distress for the star player.
This comes after Embiid missed the previous two games due to knee soreness in the same knee. Despite returning to the court, he struggled, finishing with 14 points on 5-of-18 shooting and a team-low net rating.
The injury raises concerns as Embiid had already missed three games in January due to left knee swelling. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that managing this ongoing issue will be crucial for Embiid and the Sixers for the remainder of the season.
As the reigning NBA MVP, Embiid’s health is closely monitored, especially with the league’s new rule requiring a minimum of 65 games for postseason award eligibility.
With only five more games he can afford to miss, the pressure is on for both Embiid and the Sixers to navigate the challenges ahead. Despite Embiid’s exceptional performances, the 76ers are currently 0-4 on their five-game trip.
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