The Philadelphia 76ers will have to finish the rest of the regular season without their star center Joel Embiid, who has been ruled out due to a right knee injury. Embiid, who suffered the injury during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 28, had been averaging 33.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this season. Head coach Doc Rivers addressed the media saying, “We will take this time to rest and prepare for the playoffs. Joel has been battling knee issues for quite some time.” This marks the third instance in which Embiid has encountered significant injury turmoil, as he missed substantial parts of prior seasons due to similar ailments. Analyst and former NBA player Kendrick Perkins remarked, “Injury has been the thorn in Embiid’s career. If healthy, he can dominate the playoffs and lead the 76ers deep into the postseason.” The 76ers, currently sitting at third place in the Eastern Conference standings, will now depend heavily on players like Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris as they navigate the final stretch of the season. The playoff race intensifies with the playoffs set to begin on April 15. The team remains hopeful that Embiid will return in peak condition for the postseason, as they attempt to secure their first championship since 1983.
