76ers dealing with Joel Embiid injury setback

Apr 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during overtime in game 5 of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers’ nightmare start to the 2024-25 season continues to worsen.

Joel Embiid was a surprise scratch from the Sixers Friday contest against the Brooklyn Nets at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Embiid was not on the injury report as of Friday morning. Shortly before the game, the former MVP was ruled out due to swelling in his left knee.

Embiid had missed 10 of his team’s first 11 games due to issues stemming from the same knee. He played a season-high 35 minutes on Wednesday in a 117-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. While there was no concern immediately following the game, Embiid’s knee acted up just before the Nets game two days later.

The Sixers center is also expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers in order to receive treatment. According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, the 76ers will provide an update on Embiid’s injury status early next week.

Embiid’s injury flare-up comes just days after Paul George hyperextended his knee for the second time this season. The Sixers’ highly touted trio of Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey has played together just once this season, which is a big reason why the team has gone just 3-12 to start the year.

In four games played this season, Embiid has averaged just 19.8 points and 7.5 rebounds on a poor 37.9% from the field. The 76ers star has seemingly had more controversial headlines than actual points scored thus far this season.