The Philadelphia 76ers are dealing with a new injury scare after center Joel Embiid was forced to leave his team’s Wednesday night game against the Cleveland Cavaliers early due to a left shoulder sprain.
Embiid collided with the Cavs’ Ante Zizic near the end of the first quarter, drawing a foul and immediately feeling discomfort in his shoulder. After shooting his free throws, the young superstar realized that he could not carry on in the game, and was forced to head to the locker room.
He did not return in his team’s 108-94 loss in Cleveland, with the Sixers announcing after the game that he will undergo an MRI to determine the extent and severity of the injury.
The Cameroon native has been one of the best players in the league this season, averaging 23.3 points and 11.8 rebounds per game and being honored with an All-Star selection.
Despite his effectiveness when on the court, the 25-year-old’s career has been tainted by injuries. Embiid is yet to surpass 65 games played in a single season after missing the first two seasons of his professional career with foot injuries.
Philadelphia will cross its fingers and hope that Embiid’s latest injury is just a minor sprain, and that he’ll be healthy and ready to go well before playoff time comes.
