The 76ers have been dealt a difficult hand due to the number of injuries to key players in the 2024-25 season. While each member of Philadelphia's core has missed significant time, superstar center Joel Embiid has had an especially difficult time staying on the floor.
Embiid missed the season's first nine games due to knee injury management and a league-imposed suspension. Nearly three months into the season, Embiid has appeared in just 13 games with his last appearance coming on Saturday, Jan. 4.
As Philadelphia looks to turn things around and push back into the Eastern Conference postseason picture, it will need a healthy Embiid on the court. Here's more information on his latest injury setback and when he could be expected to return.
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What is Joel Embiid's injury?
Embiid is out for left knee injury management, per the NBA's official injury report. He initially was sidelined with a sprained left foot.
On Friday, Jan. 17, the 76ers announced that as Embiid participated in an on-court workout with his foot injury healing, he "experienced an increase in knee swelling following the session."
Embiid's knee swelling has been a lingering issue throughout the season.
He told ESPN in December that it's been "depressing" to try to get the swelling to stop and get back on the court. Embiid will now receive treatment in the coming days.
As for the foot sprain, it is unclear when exactly Embiid suffered the injury, but it is believed to have happened during Philadelphia's Christmas Day win over Boston. Despite that belief, Embiid saw 31 minutes of action on Dec. 25 and played in each of the Sixers' next two games.
This season, Embiid is averaging 24.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists through 13 games. He's averaging 29.5 minutes per game, tied as the second-lowest mark of his career.
How long will Joel Embiid be out?
Embiid will be re-evaluated in 7-to-10 days from Friday, Jan. 17, per the Sixers. Based on that timeline, he will be out through Jan. 24, at the earliest.
After sitting out on New Year's Day, Embiid played on Jan. 2 and 4 and has not played since. The 76ers' meeting with the Nuggets on Tuesday, Jan. 21 will mark Embiid's ninth consecutive absence.
This season, Embiid has missed time for knee injury management in addition to a sinus fracture and a sprained foot.
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76ers schedule 2024-25
Here are the upcoming games on Philadelphia's schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Jan. 21 | at Nuggets | 10 p.m. | TNT, truTV, Max |
| Jan. 24 | vs. Cavaliers | 7 p.m. | — |
| Jan. 25 | at Bulls | 8 p.m. | — |
| Jan. 28 | vs. Lakers | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Jan. 29 | vs. Kings | 7:30 p.m. | — |
Joel Embiid career stats
- 27.8 points per game
- 11.1 rebounds per game
- 3.6 assists per game
- 0.9 steals per game
- 1.6 blocks per game
- 3.0 turnovers per game
- 50.2 percent field goal shooting
- 34.1 percent 3-point shooting
- 82.8 percent free throw shooting
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