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UPDATE: Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with a sinus fracture and will be evaluated this weekend, according to Underdog NBA.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been limited this season due to injury, although he had made a recent return to the court. But the 76ers might have more reason for concern following their Friday game against the Indiana Pacers. Embiid left the game early due to an apparent facial injury and will not return, as per Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Joel Embiid’s injury was not the only injury issue the 76ers will have to monitor following the game. Rookie Jared McCain also suffered a bit of a blow. He took a hard fall after being fouled and was unable to stay in the game to shoot his free-throws, as per Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports. As a result, he will not be able to return to the game.
As of publication, the Pacers were up big by double digits against the 76ers late in the third quarter. The 76ers had recently won two games in a row, but it appears as if that mini-streak is going to be snapped.
76ers injury struggles during 2024-25 season
The 76ers came into the regular season hoping to be title contenders following their offseason acquisition of All-Star guard Paul George in free agency.
But they’ve been hit hard with injuries to their Big 3 of Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxey. Embiid began the season sidelined and did not make his debut until 76ers’ tenth game of the season. He ended up playing four of five games before being sidelined again for seven straight games.
Embiid returned to the lineup last weekend against the Chicago Bulls and dropped 31 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots in a little over 32 minutes.
George also began the season sidelined after a preseason knee injury. He made his season debut during the Sixers’ sixth game of the season. He’s missed a splattering of games since then.
Maxey was the one who began the season healthy, but was sidelined after seven games due to a hamstring injury. He made his return back on Nov. 20 and has been in the lineup since.
The 76ers certainly have a chance to turn things around despite their horrific start to the regular season. Obviously Embiid’s latest issue is something they’ll have to monitor, and more information likely won’t be available until this weekend. But assuming Embiid ends up being okay, this team has looked like they make a run.
The Sixers have gone 5-5 in their last ten games and they are 7-15 overall. There is still a ton of season left to play and this group can try and grab one of the bottom playoff spots.
