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Joel Embiid is having the best season of his career thanks in large part to his improved durability. The 76ers center is averaging 33 minutes per game this season – the second most of his career – and has played 31 of Philadelphia’s 38 games, with many of those absences either as a precaution or due to health protocols and NBA security.
Embiid faces a possible absence of two to three weeks with a deep bone bruise on the left knee, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports. An MRI on her knee showed no structural damage, which means the ACL and meniscus are fine. Considering that many feared he suffered what could have been a significant injury, the organization is relieved that it’s not something much worse according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The game took place Friday in the third quarter of the Philadelphia game against the Washington Wizards. Embiid climbed up for a dunk and landed awkwardly, seemingly hyperextending his left knee. He left the ground on his own, but with a significant limp and did not return to the game.
Embiid is currently the betting favorite to win the MVP award, and his 76ers are seeded No.1 in the Eastern Conference. However, both of these things could be compromised if Embiid missed more than three weeks. The 76ers are 2-5 in games that Embiid has missed this season, a trend that has existed throughout his career. No MVP candidate needs to play, but with LeBron James and Nikola Jokic barely missing, Embiid will need to return quickly if he is to maintain his status as a favorite.
But more importantly, Philadelphia’s championship hopes hinge almost entirely on Embiid’s health. Their season could be functionally over if they missed much of the season. This game seemed like just a case of bad luck, but given his history of injury, any minor changes are dangerous for Embiid.
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