While Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid avoided a major injury, he will be out for at least the next eight games.
After Embiid underwent an MRI, the team Saturday announced that he has been diagnosed with a left knee bone bruise that will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Reports indicate that the MRI revealed no additional structural damage.
Joel Embiid is out with a left knee bone bruise. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 13, 2021
Embiid suffered the injury midway through the third quarter of Philadelphia's win over the Washington Wizards on Friday night as an awkward landing caused him to go down in visible pain. The four-time All-Star exited the game with 23 points and seven rebounds in just 20 minutes of action.
Embiid, 26, has emerged as an MVP favourite this season with averages of 29.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the Sixers, who have remained atop the Eastern Conference standings throughout the 2020-21 season.
Philadelphia's schedule over the next two weeks is as follows:
- Sunday, March 14 vs. San Antonio Spurs
- Tuesday, March 16 vs. New York Knicks
- Wednesday, March 17 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
- Saturday, March 20 vs. Sacramento Kings
- Sunday, March 21 at New York Knicks
- Tuesday, March 23 at Golden State Warriors
- Thursday, March 25 at Los Angeles Lakers
- Saturday, March 27 at LA Clippers
While the Sixers are set to face a number of tough tests without Embiid, the team will certainly prioritize his health leading into the 2021 NBA Playoffs, which will begin on May 22. This will be the first instance in which Embiid has missed significant time this season, as he's appeared in 31 of the team's first 38 games this year.
Stick with NBA.com for updates regarding Embiid's injury and status to returning to the Sixers' lineup.
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