The 76ers are facing an uphill battle to qualify for the NBA Playoffs. The team may have run into a serious setback.
Right before halftime of Philadelphia's penultimate game of the season, reigning MVP Joel Embiid landed awkwardly after a made basket and immediately grabbed at his left knee. Embiid went straight to the locker room after the apparent injury.
Embiid recently returned to the Sixers lineup after missing 29 games after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in the same knee. At the time of his injury, Embiid had 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in 17 minutes of action.
What is Embiid's injury and how serious is it? Here are the latest updates below.
MORE: TSN's Steph Noh shares his expert All-NBA picks
What is Joel Embiid's injury?
Embiid drove for a layup with under two minutes remaining in the first half of a game against the Magic. As the ball rattled in, Embiid jumped for a potential offensive rebound and after his second landing, came up in apparent pain.
The play where Embiid appeared to injure his knee. Embiid went straight to the locker room pic.twitter.com/WcbNDVkqJn
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) April 13, 2024
Embiid reached at his left knee and labored back on defense before exiting the game. He went straight to the locker room.
How long will Joel Embiid be out?
Embiid returned to the game for the second half, but it is important to note that this is the same knee that has given him problems throughout the 2023-24 regular season. Prior to the meniscus tear, Embiid experienced swelling and inflammation in his left knee.
Embiid's latest tweak could be related to meniscal issues or pre-existing issues with swelling and inflammation. With the NBA Play-In Tournament and Playoffs nearing, Embiid's availability is more important than ever.
After the game, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said Embiid was evaluated by the medical staff at halftime and there was "no swelling, no damage, none of that kind of stuff."
"We'll have to make sure we assess it again tomorrow morning and see what happens," Nurse added. "But, you know, you saw him. He looked fine."
NBA PLAYOFF PICTURE: Updated standings, clinching scenarios
76ers remaining schedule 2024
Philadelphia has one more regular season game remaining and is in contention to play in the NBA Play-In Tournament, which takes place from April 16-19.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| April 14 | vs. Nets | 1 p.m. | — |
| April 16-19 | NBA Play-In Tournament | TBD | TBD |
