Joel Embiid to miss 76ers road trip due to knee swelling

The Philadelphia 76ers star faces another setback with left knee swelling.

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 4, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York City. Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo

Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has been ruled out of the team's upcoming three-game road trip due to swelling in his surgically repaired left knee, the team announced on Friday. This setback adds to a series of challenges the reigning NBA MVP has faced throughout the season, impacting both his availability and the team's performance.

Embiid, who won Olympic basketball gold with the United States in Paris last year, has been limited to just 13 games this season. His absence has been felt deeply by the 76ers, who are struggling to find consistency without their dominant center.

The Cameroon-born big man has dealt with multiple injuries this season, significantly limiting his impact. Before this latest knee issue, Embiid had already missed six games due to a sprained left foot. While recovering from the foot sprain, he had been playing in a protective mask after suffering a sinus fracture from a blow to the face, which caused him to miss one game earlier in the season.

Embiid's knee problems have been recurring, raising concerns about his long-term health. Additionally, he faced a three-game suspension earlier in the season following a physical altercation with a journalist. These setbacks have interrupted his ability to build momentum and maintain his usual level of dominance on the court.

Swelling in the left knee

The 76ers provided an update on Embiid's condition through an official statement on Friday. According to the team, Embiid participated in an on-court workout after missing six games due to his foot injury. While his foot has healed, the workout led to increased swelling in his left knee.

"Joel Embiid participated in an on-court workout yesterday after missing the last six games due to a left foot sprain," the statement read. "While the foot sprain has healed, Embiid experienced an increase in swelling in his left knee following the workout."

After consulting with team medical staff and external specialists, the decision was made to focus on treating the knee swelling. "Joel will receive treatment in the coming days to address the swelling. As a result, he will be OUT for the upcoming road trip and will be reevaluated in approximately 7-10 days," the team confirmed.

The 76ers have struggled significantly without Embiid this season, going 8-18 in games he has missed. Currently sitting at 15-24, Philadelphia is in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, well outside playoff contention.

Embiid's absence leaves a significant void in both scoring and defense. Known for his ability to dominate in the paint and stretch the floor with his shooting, he is a cornerstone of the team’s strategy. His injury forces the 76ers to rely heavily on other players, such as guard Tyrese Maxey and forward Tobias Harris, to carry the offensive load during this critical stretch.

Long-term concerns for Embiid

This season marks another chapter in a career frequently disrupted by injuries. Embiid, who has dealt with knee issues in the past, underwent surgery on his left knee earlier in his career. His durability has been a concern since he entered the league, with various ailments affecting his availability year after year.

While the 76ers remain hopeful about his recovery, Embiid’s recurring health challenges raise questions about how the team will manage his workload moving forward. Load management, a strategy used to reduce wear and tear on players, could become increasingly important to preserve Embiid's long-term health and effectiveness.

With Embiid sidelined, the 76ers face a daunting task on their road trip, which includes matchups against several competitive teams. His absence will test the resilience of the roster and the ability of head coach Nick Nurse to make tactical adjustments.

The team remains optimistic about Embiid's return following treatment and evaluation, but his extended absences this season have already taken a toll on their playoff hopes. For now, the 76ers will need to find a way to stay afloat as they navigate this challenging stretch without their star center.

Embiid’s latest setback underscores the delicate balance between recovery and performance in professional sports. While fans and teammates hope for a swift return, ensuring his long-term health remains the top priority for both Embiid and the 76ers organization.