The Philadelphia 76ers cannot catch a break. From intra-team drama, a slew of injuries, and the team and its players being fined by the league, this has been the season from hell. On Friday night in the Pacers vs Sixers game, things got even worse. Joel Embiid left the game with an injury to his face and was unable to return. This Embiid injury is just another to add to the long list of issues the Sixers injury report has had this season, and it comes at the worst possible time. The Sixers hope it isn’t a huge issue, but at 7-16, they are desperate to get things turned around as soon as possible.
Another Injury To A Star, Sixers Can’t Catch A Break
Pacers vs Sixers Game
The Pacers vs Sixers game looked like an opportunity for the Sixers to grab a win against another team fighting for seeding in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, Embiid went down after playing 17 minutes, and the Sixers weren’t able to overcome the Pacers without him. Embiid had 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds before his exit.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 22 points, and Paul George added 15, but the team’s offensive rhythm just wasn’t there without Embiid. Meanwhile, the Pacers Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin scored 23 and 20 points respectively, and Tyrese Haliburton stole the show with 32 points and 11 assists.
Another Embiid Injury
Embiid has barely been able to play this season, and the Sixers have felt it. From dealing with knee injuries and a suspension, Embiid had just returned from another long absence before going down on Friday night. Embiid has only appeared in six of the Sixers’ 23 games this year. His absence has been a huge reason for their struggles.
Now ESPN has reported that he suffered a sinus fracture. Embiid has hurt his face before, including an orbital bone fracture. He also admitted last season that he had Bell’s palsy. Another facial injury for the former MVP can mean nothing but bad news. He will be reevaluated this weekend, and Sixers’ fans are praying that he won’t miss a lot more time.
Even in his limited playing time this season, Embiid has not played like the MVP from a couple of seasons ago. He is averaging 20.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists this year. What is really concerning, however, is that he is only shooting 41.1% from the field. This is by far the lowest percentage of his career. He is attempting more threes than ever as well and is only shooting 16% from deep.
Embiid Injury and the Sixers Injury Report
The Sixers injury report was finally starting to look better before this most recent Embiid injury. Caleb Martin and Kyle Lowry were out of the Pacers game. However, it seemed that no other Philly player was out with any significant injuries.
Their other star, George, who missed a significant chunk of the beginning of the season, has played in five of the teams’ last six games. He hasn’t been great, only scoring over 15 points twice in that span, but his health and Embiid’s are essential to the Sixers’ chances at competing for the playoffs.
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