Philadelphia will be without its biggest star when it visits South Beach on Christmas Day.
After suffering an ankle injury on Friday, reigning league MVP Joel Embiid has been ruled out for the Sixers' holiday meeting with the Heat on Monday. It will mark just the fourth absence in 29 games this season for Embiid.
Embiid is currently playing some of the best basketball of his career, making a strong case to repeat as MVP with averages of 40.2 points, 12.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists over his last nine games. Philadelphia is 8-1 in that span.
Will Embiid's absence be a one-off or is he set to miss extended time? Here is what we know about his latest injury setback.
MORE: Three important stats fueling Joel Embiid's early MVP case
What is Joel Embiid's injury?
Embiid's injury is listed as a sprained right ankle.
On Dec. 24, the 76ers listed Embiid as out on the official injury report due to the injury. Embiid suffered the injury early in Philadelphia's win over Toronto on Friday, Dec. 22. When attempting to block a layup attempt from Raptors center Jakob Poeltl, Embiid landed on Poeltl's foot, causing his right ankle to turn.
Here is the play where Embiid was injured.
Despite the injury, Embiid remained in the game and, after scoring just two points in the first quarter, finished with 33 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in 35 minutes of playing time.
WATCH: Follow Joel Embiid and the 76ers all season long on Sling TV
How long is Joel Embiid out?
Embiid has been ruled out for the Sixers' meeting with the Heat on Monday, Dec, 25. According to multiple reports, Embiid did not travel with the team to Miami and will continue receiving treatment in Philadelphia.
The Sixers' Christmas Day game is the first of a four-game road trip with stops in Orlando, Houston and Chicago. Embiid has not been ruled out for the remainder of the trip and could rejoin the team at any time.
Here are the next five games on the 76ers' schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Dec. 25 | at Heat | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Dec. 27 | at Magic | 7 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 29 | at Rockets | 8 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 30 | at Bulls | 8 p.m. | — |
| Jan. 2 | vs. Bulls | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
Joel Embiid stats
- 35.0 points per game
- 11.7 rebounds per game
- 6.0 assists per game
- 2.0 blocks per game
- 1.2 steals per game
- 3.8 turnovers per game
- 54.0 percent field goal shooting
- 35.0 percent 3-point shooting
- 89.3 percent free throw shooting
