Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is reportedly facing a diagnosis of a displaced flap of the meniscus in his left knee and is contemplating the possibility of surgery, as indicated by Shams Charania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
According to Charania and Vardon, a displaced flap is categorized as a type of meniscus tear. The decision on whether to pursue a course of rest and rehabilitation or undergo a procedure that would entail an extended absence is currently under discussion between Embiid, his medical team, and the 76ers.
On Thursday, the 76ers disclosed that an MRI confirmed Embiid’s injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee. They also stated that Embiid would be sidelined over the weekend while finalizing a treatment plan.
Initial concerns about the 29-year-old’s health emerged on January 27 when Embiid was a last-minute absence against the Denver Nuggets due to left knee soreness.
Following a missed game against the Portland Trail Blazers, he returned on January 30 versus the Golden State Warriors, visibly affected by the injury. Despite finishing the game with 14 points on 5-of-18 shooting, Embiid left for the locker room before the first quarter’s conclusion.
Subsequently ruled out for the Thursday game against the Jazz, the absence of Embiid poses a significant setback for the 76ers. Averaging 35.3 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 5.7 APG, and 1.8 BPG, Embiid is a crucial asset for a 76ers team with championship aspirations when at full strength.
The reigning NBA MVP boasts a 34.3 player efficiency rating, the highest in history according to Stat Muse.
In Embiid’s absence, the 76ers plan to rely on Paul Reed as the starting center, with Mo Bamba providing backup support.
