Philly Can’t Catch a Break
02/06/2024
By: Jeff Yoder
76ers’ Star & Reigning MVP Joel Embiid to Undergo Late-Season Surgery on Torn Meniscus
Speculation is never a good journalistic practice. That’s why we waited until now to write about a star’s lingering knee issue when multiple NBA circles had their own opinion last week. We can now confirm. Philadelphia 76ers’ big man Joel Embiid will undergo knee surgery to address a torn meniscus, and it will undoubtedly sideline him for a significant amount of time at the wrong time of the year. The Sixers (30-19) were battling atop the Eastern Conference just two weeks ago, but they’ve lost four of their last five in Embiid’s absence, and another disappointing finish, for a really good Philly team, could be in the cards.
An Optimistic Injury Timeline
In case you forgot, Embiid was one of the two players who scored 70 in January, He had that historic moment on Jan. 22. Two games later, he was out. But because it’s a meniscus procedure and not a torn ligament, Philadelphia is optimistic Embiid could return to the court within two months. That’s just before the start of the playoffs. Even then, he’ll be rusty. The 76ers have flamed out in the Eastern Conference semifinals (or sooner) each of the past six seasons. This team just can’t catch a break.
The 76ers hosted the Mavs last night, and Dallas ran away down the stretch (118-102). Philadelphia is now 26-8 this season when Embiid plays and just 4-11 without him.
Watch: 76ers Lose to Mavs, Drop 4 Out of 5 Without Embiid
Other NBA Highlights
Lakers Stacking : Stringing wins together! The Lakers’ trio of Anthony Davis (26-15-11), LeBron James (26) and D’Angelo Russell (28) combined for 80 points in a win over the Hornets. That’s three straight and a sigh of relief in L.A. (Lakers def. Hornets, 124-118)
Clippers Cruising: The Clippers boast the best record in the NBA since Dec. 1 (21-5) after last night’s track meet against the Hawks. James Harden (30-10-8) and Kawhi Leonard (36 points) have found their rhythm. (Clippers def. Hawks, 149-144)
NBA Scoreboard
Cavaliers def. Kings (136-110)
Pelicans def. Raptors (138-100)
*Brandon Ingram Goes for 41 Points
Photo: Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images