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Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid out indefinitely

By Noah Strackbein

Feb 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia 76ers have finally begun to “trust the process,” but now, the team gearing for a playoff spot will take a major setback.

According to the 76ers’ twitter account, star big man, Joel Embiid ,did not participate in the team shootaround due to swelling in his left knee. He will undergo an MRI today to confirm the injury. Embiid has been ruled out indefinitely prior to the MRI results.

This comes as a major blow for both the 76ers and Embiid. For the first time in his career, Embiid has been healthy enough to be a part of this growing Philadelphia roster. “Trust the Process” has centered itself around the superstar as 76ers fans everywhere begin to believe he is the answer to their problems.

For the 76ers, this would be the worst thing that can happen. Embiid leads the team with 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. After the team traded Nerlens Noel at the trade deadline, they would go from three legitimate post players to one within a matter of a week.

With Embiid missing time, Philadelphia would likely add Dario Saric to the starting lineup. The former 12th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft has only started 13 games during his first season in the NBA. Averaging 11.1 points and 6.2 boards per contest, Saric isn’t a significant downgrade but is nowhere near the level of Embiid.

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As the 76ers await the results of the MRI, they will begin to prepare for another finish to the season without Embiid. The team squares off with the Golden State Warriors tonight at 7:00 p.m. EST. In their first of possibly many games without its center, Philadelphia will look to adjust to life without their superstar.