We might now have an explanation as to why Joel Embiid has suited up for just one game over the past three weeks. Originally diagnosed with a knee contusion, Embiid has missed 11 of the team’s past 12 games.
Now comes this report from Derek Bodner of Philly Mag suggesting that Embiid is actually suffering through a torn meniscus in his left knee.
“There is some thought that the torn meniscus could be a pre-existing condition which an ensuing MRI discovered, rather than caused by the fall on January 20th, although the two injuries being related has not been completely ruled out.”
The injury was diagnosed after Embiid left Philadelphia’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers on January 20th. He’s played a grand total of one game since.
Surgery is not expected in this case, which is some good news for Sixers fans. Though, with his laundry list of injury issues, anything related to the lower body should be concerning. After all, Embiid did miss the first two seasons of his career to injury.
The 22-year-old center is averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game this season. There’s a good chance Embiid will remain out through the All-Star Break.