Is Joel Embiid’s Injury Being Hidden by the Sixers? Find Out Why!

On a recent Wednesday, Nick Nurse, the coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, found himself once again in the spotlight, this time not for his coaching tactics but for the ongoing mystery surrounding the absence of Joel Embiid. Despite the NBA season being underway for over a week, the team’s leading player, Embiid, has not participated in any preseason or regular-season games due to a vague ‘left knee injury management’ issue, details of which remain scant.

“I’m going to have to punt that one,” Nurse remarked when pressed for details about Embiid’s condition prior to a game against the Detroit Pistons.

Indeed, Embiid is dealing with an injury. The NBA confirmed as much this week after concluding its probe into the matter, stating that Embiid’s absence from the court was due to a “left knee condition.” The league went as far as fining the Sixers $100,000 for downplaying or possibly misleading the public about the severity of the injury.

The secrecy surrounding Embiid’s health situation is reminiscent of scenarios involving other high-profile athletes like Kawhi Leonard. Given Embiid’s history of injuries, including a meniscus tear in the same knee last season, and other ailments like broken orbital bones and foot issues, his current injury should not come as a surprise. Since his draft, Embiid has missed 46% of regular-season games.

An injury to Embiid is hardly news at this point.

In fact, it’s more newsworthy when he is healthy and playing.

“Our guys are working out,” Nurse said. “They are making progress.”

Understood.

This season was always meant to be different for Embiid. Following multiple early playoff exits despite his impressive personal accolades like an MVP award and multiple All-NBA and All-Star selections, the focus has shifted away from regular season achievements to playoff success. This includes managing his playtime more strategically, even if it means sitting out the first few games.

Skipping back-to-backs? Acceptable. Missing short road trips? Manageable. Taking breaks in January and February? Logical. But missing the first four games? Only if he’s genuinely injured.

The uncertainty remains: when and how did Embiid get injured? Reports from The Athletic described his knee as too “unstable” to play, a condition that begs further explanation. Just in August, Embiid was actively participating in the Olympics with USA Basketball, playing significant minutes and recently claimed to have lost significant weight.

Adding to the team’s challenges, Paul George is also out with a reported bone bruise from a preseason incident. With both stars sidelined, the Sixers have stumbled out of the gate, evidenced by a recent disheartening loss to the previously winless Pistons, leaving their record at 1-4.

“Gotta keep fighting, keep finding ways for guys to get going, guys to get good shots,” said Tyrese Maxey. “We gotta be better on the defensive end. We gotta be better at all aspects. Without them, it’s not much margin for error.”

Is this a major issue? Not necessarily. It’s peculiar, yes, but if Embiid returns this weekend—the Sixers don’t play again until Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies—this episode will likely be quickly forgotten. However, his participation is crucial. While playing 60 to 65 games might not be necessary, appearing in at least 50 is vital for developing team chemistry and positioning the squad for postseason success.

Nurse, somewhat predictably, remained non-committal about a specific timeline on Wednesday. “I’m anticipating to get a much clearer idea on Friday,” he mentioned, unaware of the team’s fine and directing reporters to team executives for more information. After facing a barrage of questions from the agitated local media, he made his exit to focus on upcoming games.

“I got a game, and several games to coach, and lots of things going on,” Nurse said.

Indeed. And everyone is eager to see when Embiid will join the fray.