Joel Embiid Sidelined Indefinitely with Sinus Fracture, Sixers’ Season Takes Another Hit
It’s another tough break for the Philadelphia 76ers and their superstar center, Joel Embiid. The team announced on Monday that Embiid is out indefinitely with a sinus fracture and will be reevaluated in approximately one week. This news comes as a major blow to a Sixers squad already struggling to find its footing this season.
Embiid sustained the injury during Friday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers. The incident occurred in the closing seconds of the first half when Embiid was battling Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin for a defensive rebound. In the scuffle, Embiid caught an errant forearm and elbow to the face, specifically in the cheek and nose area. The Sixers ruled him out early in the second half, citing “impact to the right side of the face.”
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Embiid has dealt with facial injuries. Fans will remember his orbital bone fracture during the 2022 playoffs after a collision with Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors. And let’s not forget the 2018 incident when he collided with then-teammate Markelle Fultz, resulting in another facial injury. To add to the list, Embiid revealed last year during a first-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks that he had been battling Bell’s palsy. It seems like the big man just can’t catch a break when it comes to his health.
Injuries Piling Up for the Sixers
Embiid’s absence is just the latest in a string of setbacks for the Sixers. The team has been plagued by injuries all season, and their record reflects it. Philadelphia currently sits at 7-16, a far cry from the championship aspirations they had coming into the season. Embiid himself has only played in six games this year, as swelling in his left knee has already limited his availability.
To make matters worse, the Sixers’ highly anticipated “big three” of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and offseason acquisition Paul George has barely had a chance to gel. The trio has played parts of only three games together, leaving fans wondering what could have been if injuries hadn’t derailed their season.
And the bad news doesn’t stop there. Rookie guard Jared McCain is also out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus. The Sixers’ depth is being tested like never before, and it’s unclear how they’ll manage to stay competitive with so many key players sidelined.
What’s Next for Embiid and the Sixers?
For now, Embiid will be reevaluated in about a week, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready to return anytime soon. Sinus fractures can be tricky injuries, especially for a player like Embiid who has a history of facial injuries. The Sixers will need to tread carefully to ensure their franchise cornerstone doesn’t rush back too soon and risk further complications.
In the meantime, the team will have to rely heavily on Maxey and George to carry the load. Maxey has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but he’s still young and learning how to be a consistent leader. George, on the other hand, was brought in to provide veteran leadership and scoring, but he’ll need to step up in a big way if the Sixers hope to turn their season around.
Key Takeaways
- Joel Embiid is out indefinitely with a sinus fracture and will be reevaluated in one week.
- Embiid has only played six games this season due to swelling in his left knee.
- The Sixers are 7-16 on the season and have been plagued by injuries, including rookie guard Jared McCain’s torn meniscus.
- Philadelphia’s “big three” of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George has played parts of only three games together.
It’s safe to say that the Sixers’ season is hanging by a thread. With Embiid out and the team struggling to find consistency, fans are left wondering if this is just another lost season or if there’s still hope for a turnaround. One thing is for sure: the Sixers will need to dig deep and find a way to weather the storm until their stars are back on the court.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
