The Philadelphia 76ers were dealt some unfortunate news this week, finding out that star big man Joel Embiid is dealing with a torn ligament in his left hand that will sideline him indefinitely.
Embiid suffered an ugly-looking injury in the first quarter of Philadelphia’s 120-113 win on Monday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite hurting his hand, he was able to finish the game before being further evaluated the next day.
After evaluation, team doctors discovered that Embiid had suffered a torn fourth metacarpal ligament. The injury will be treated with surgery, and it is unknown when he will be able to return to the court.
Embiid, the 25-year-old center, has been one of the most dominant players in the league when he hasn’t been sidelined with injuries. After missing his first NBA season with a foot injury and parts of the next three seasons with various ailments, he has now suffered another setback that will keep him off of the court for a time.
The two-time All Star’s absence will be felt strongly by the 76ers, who will miss Embiid’s 23.4 points and 12.3 rebounds per game as they look to stay near the top of the competitive Eastern Conference.
For now, fans will just have to wait and see to find out when the Sixers’ star will be able to return to the court.
