"Sixers stun their fans with the duration of the absence. 2025

 

The Philadelphia 76ers have made a significant announcement regarding their star player, Joel Embiid. On Friday, the team revealed that the 29-year-old center will miss the remainder of the 2024/2025 NBA season due to ongoing concerns about his left knee. Embiid will be focusing on treatment and rehabilitation to ensure the best possible recovery and long-term health. This decision comes after a season already marked by various setbacks for the big man, including missing numerous games due to injuries.

As it stands, Embiid had already been ruled out for the 76ers' 40th game of the season, which is set to take place on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors. With this announcement, it has been confirmed that Embiid will not return to the court for any further games in the current season. This marks a major blow for the team, as Embiid has been an instrumental figure in the 76ers' line-up, despite his injury struggles.

In an official statement, the Philadelphia 76ers expressed their commitment to working with top medical experts to develop the most effective treatment plan for Embiid. The team also reassured fans and the media that they would provide updates as they received more information about his recovery process. The statement further emphasized that both the team and medical specialists would continue to work closely with Embiid to ensure he follows the most appropriate course of action, one that prioritizes his long-term health and performance.

Embiid's absence will come as the third consecutive game he has missed. He last played in a game against the Brooklyn Nets, but he was taken off the court during the fourth quarter after his performance dipped, contributing to the team’s loss. This decision to sit out has now extended into multiple games, and it is clear that his health concerns are more serious than initially anticipated.

Looking at the broader picture, the 76ers have had a mixed record this season with and without Embiid. When he has played, the team has managed to secure 8 victories while suffering 11 losses. On the other hand, in the 27 games Embiid has missed, the team has performed better than expected, securing 12 wins against 27 losses. This discrepancy highlights the level of depth the 76ers have despite the absence of their star player, although the team will undoubtedly miss his presence on both ends of the floor.

This latest injury follows a troublesome pattern for Embiid, who also faced significant injury issues last season. He played in just 39 games due to a meniscus tear in his right knee, which required surgery in February. Despite the setback, Embiid made a remarkable return in April, playing a key role in the team’s postseason run. His performance in the 2024 playoffs helped the 76ers achieve a strong showing, even though they ultimately fell short of a championship. On the international stage, Embiid continued to excel by winning a gold medal with the United States men's basketball team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing his talent and determination despite ongoing challenges with his health.

The 76ers now face the daunting task of navigating the rest of the season without their leader on the floor. With a heavy reliance on their supporting cast, including key players like James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, the team will have to adapt and find ways to stay competitive as they push through the remainder of the season. While Embiid’s future with the team remains uncertain in the short term, the focus will remain on his recovery, and the 76ers will be hoping that he can return to full health for the upcoming seasons.