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EspañolThe Philadelphia 76ers will be without their man in the middle for the foreseeable future.
Centre Joel Embiid is slated to miss at least three games due to a strained right oblique and will be re-evaluated after the team’s upcoming back-to-back against the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz.
The former league MVP and oft-injured star has remained relatively healthy this season by his standards, averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 blocks through 33 games.
It’s unclear when or how the injury occurred, but the Cameronian big man last played on Thursday in Philadelphia’s win over the Miami Heat. He logged 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and a steal in just over 31 minutes of action.
Assuming Embiid returns from his latest injury without any setbacks, he’ll be on pace to surpass each of his last two seasons in games played.
The 31-year-old had played an average of 50.2 games per season through his first nine years in the NBA, on the heels of a campaign that saw him suit up for just 19 regular-season contests as the 76ers missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Despite Embiid’s injuries — and Paul George missing an extended period due to suspension — Philadelphia appears poised for a return to the post-season. The 76ers are sixth in the East thanks to a 33-26 record, just one game back of the Toronto Raptors.
As for Embiid, he ranks second on the roster in scoring behind only breakout guard Tyrese Maxey, second in blocks and rebounds as well, and third in assists per game.
The 76ers return to action on Sunday, when they visit the Boston Celtics and look to extend their win streak to four straight.
