The blowout 127-101 win over the Washington Wizards came at a price for the high-flying Philadelphia 76ers. The team announced over the weekend that their All-Star center Joel Embiid suffered a bone bruise against the Wizards and is facing at least two weeks on the sidelines.
Embiid got injured in the third quarter, hyperextending his left leg after a dunk. He left the game immediately and had an MRI test the same night.
Luckily for the 76ers and Embiid, who is considered a favorite for this year’s MVP award, the results showed no structural damage on his knee. The 26-year-old big man will go into rehab for two weeks, after which he will be reevaluated, according to the team.
Joel Embiid has been enjoying a stellar 2020-21 campaign, averaging a career-high 29.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. He has also been mostly injury-free, unlike some other seasons, missing only six games due to COVID-19 protocols and rest.
Embiid’s MVP-level of play also has the Philadelphia 76ers at the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference. They are currently sitting at a 26-12 record and have won six out of their last seven games.
In the absence of Embiid, the 76ers are expected to give more playing time to veteran Dwight Howard, who will likely be moved to the starting spot. Offseason acquisition Tony Bradley should also receive a more prominent role.
