76ers: Joel Embiid suffers scary knee injury against Wizards

76ers: Joel Embiid suffers scary leg injury against Wizards

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 11: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts in the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 11, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

The Philadelphia 76ers star left Friday’s game against the Washington Wizards after suffering a scary leg injury.

The Philadelphia 76ers exited the All-Star break to build upon their lead atop the Eastern Conference. Plenty of credit can be given to the play of star center Joel Embiid, who is among the favorites to win the NBA MVP award at season’e end. But on Friday, his health took a hit.

During third quarter of Philadelphia’s game against the Washington Wizards, Embiid unleashed a vicious dunk over guard Garrison Mathews but landed awkwardly on his left knee. The big man clutched his leg in agony before limping off the court.

Embiid's left knee hyper-extended when his whole body landed on that leg. He's on the ground in a ton of pain. https://t.co/qPsu4xGIGo
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) March 13, 2021

76ers: Joel Embiid will undergo MRI following awkward left knee injury

Unsurprisingly, Embiid was ruled out for the remainder of the game after his landing on the court. ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported later Friday evening that Embiid will undergo an MRI on his left knee, which the 76ers called a “hyper-extended left knee.”

Philadelphia's Joel Embiid will undergo an MRI on his left knee, sources tell ESPN. He left tonight's game vs. Washington after a hard fall to floor.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 13, 2021

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1370569988424273926

Prior to the horrific-looking injury, Embiid scored 23 points (8-for-11 from field, six-for-six on free throws), grabbed seven boards, notched three assists and blocked two shots.

This happened to be Embiid’s first game back from the All-Star break, after he was placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocol. Embiid came into close contact with a barber who tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, Embiid and teammate Ben Simmons were forced out of the NBA All-Star Game.

Per Shams Charania, Embiid is expected to miss 2-to-3 weeks of action.

Through 30 games this season, the star center has averaged 30.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.4 blocks, while shooting a career-high 52.1-percent from the field. These numbers are why the 76ers were the first seed in the East and why Embiid is considered one of the favorites to win the MVP award.

We will continue to keep you updated on Embiid’s status once more details are made available following his MRI.

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