The Philadelphia 76ers just can’t seem to catch a break this season, and now their star, Joel Embiid, is facing yet another injury. The big man had to leave Friday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers after taking a nasty hit to the face. For a team struggling to stay afloat, losing Embiid again feels like salt in the wound.
It all went down in the final seconds of the first half. Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin accidentally caught Embiid in the face while going for an offensive rebound. Embiid hit the floor, clutching his face, and didn’t return to the game. The Sixers later confirmed he suffered a sinus fracture and will need further testing to determine the severity. If that sounds familiar, it’s because Embiid has been here before—this is his third facial injury in recent years, adding to his long list of health issues.
Joel Embiid has suffered a sinus fracture, per @ShamsCharania
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 14, 2024
He will be further evaluated this weekend pic.twitter.com/5eCFnQTyBQ
This season has already been a rollercoaster for the reigning MVP. Embiid’s been in and out of the lineup, missing games due to knee management and even a three-game suspension for a locker-room altercation with a reporter. He hasn’t looked like his dominant self when he has played, averaging 22 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists—way below last season’s monstrous 34.7 points per game. And now, with the Sixers sitting at 7-16, his latest injury couldn’t come at a worse time.
Coach Nick Nurse hasn’t shared much about Embiid’s timeline, but given his history with injuries, it’s safe to assume the Sixers will tread carefully. For now, they’ll lean on Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele to hold down the fort, but let’s be real—neither of them can do what Embiid does.
What’s Next For The 76ers Without Joel Embiid?
The Sixers’ struggles were on full display in Friday’s 121-107 loss to the Pacers. Embiid was solid before the injury—12 points, five assists, and four rebounds in just 17 minutes—but the team crumbled without him. This isn’t new territory for Philly. They’ve relied heavily on Embiid’s presence for years, and when he’s out, it shows.
It’s been a brutal start to the season for the Sixers. Between injuries, suspensions, and poor play, the team is far from the championship contender fans were hoping for. Losing Embiid again only adds to the uncertainty. They’ve lost 16 of their first 23 games, and things could get even worse without their franchise centerpiece.
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If the Sixers want to salvage their season, they need Embiid back—and healthy—sooner rather than later. The team’s playoff hopes, and arguably their future, depend on him. For now, though, fans will have to hold their breath and hope for good news from the medical staff.
Also Read: VIDEO: New Gruesome Clip Shows Close-Up Of Joel Embiid’s Sinus Fracture, And It Does Not Look Good
