76ers provide concerning update on Joel Embiid injury

Apr 16, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) before game one of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Joel Embiid’s new injury appears likely to keep him out of action for at least a few games.

A Philadelphia 76ers official told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN that Embiid will definitely miss Thursday’s game against the Utah Jazz as he awaits further evaluation on his injured left knee. Embiid will not even travel with the team, with the organization instead deciding to send him home to Philadelphia.

Embiid is expected to travel back to Philadelphia and not join team in Utah, per official.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2024

The Utah game is the final one of the 76ers’ current road trip, so this is not necessarily a huge red flag. Hopefully this is more of a precaution than an indication that the 76ers believe Embiid is dealing with something more serious.

Embiid had already been dealing with a knee injury that cost him part of the road trip, but things got worse for him Tuesday when Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga landed on his leg while diving for a loose ball. With the NBA’s eligibility rules for awards voting, this news also means Embiid can only miss four more games this season before he loses a chance at winning another MVP award.

Embiid’s next chance to play will come Saturday when the 76ers host the Brooklyn Nets.