How long is Joel Embiid out? Face injury timeline, return date, latest updates on 76ers star

Gilbert McGregor

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How long is Joel Embiid out? Face injury timeline, return date, latest updates on 76ers star image

The 76ers' tumultuous 2024-25 season continues with yet another injury to superstar center Joel Embiid.

Embiid exited Philadelphia's loss to Indiana on Friday, Dec. 13 with a facial injury. His most recent injury setback came in his second game back from a seven-game absence.

Embiid missed 17 of the 76ers' first 23 games of the season. Making matters worse is that Paul George and Tyrese Maxey have missed extended time and standout rookie Jared McCain is set to be sidelined indefinitely with a torn meniscus.

Here is what to know about Embiid's injury and how much time he'll miss.

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What is Joel Embiid's injury?

Embiid's injury is a sinus fracture, the team announced Friday.

Here is the definition of the injury from Yale Medicine:

A sinus fracture is a break or crack in the bones surrounding the sinuses, typically resulting from facial trauma or impact. This type of injury can lead to complications such as sinus infections, difficulty breathing, and facial deformity if not properly treated.

Embiid suffered the injury right before halftime of the Sixers' meeting with the Pacers. As Embiid prepared to go up for a defensive rebound, he received an unintentional hit to the face from Indiana guard Bennedict Mathurin, who had flown in full speed for a putback attempt.

Here is the play:

Embiid was visibly shaken up by the play and remained on the floor before he was helped off. He did not return to the game and was taken elsewhere for further evaluation.

MORE: Latest updates on Jared McCain's torn meniscus