Report: 76ers' Joel Embiid out Injured vs. Blazers; Nears Award Eligibility Threshold

Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid will reportedly miss Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers because of a knee injury.

"That knee is an issue that he's going to have to manage for the rest of the season," ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported:

Injuries are always a concern for Embiid, who missed the first two seasons of his career with foot issues and has never played more than 68 games in a single campaign since entering the league in the 2014 draft.

Any setback is also of note with the star center because of the rule the NBA instituted ahead of the 2023-24 season that requires players to appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for an All-NBA team or major award such as MVP.

That means after Monday, he can only miss five more games to be recognized as such.

Embiid won the MVP in 2022-23 while playing 66 games and averaging 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.7 blocks. He has been excellent again this season and is averaging 36.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.8 blocks in 33 games.

While it is difficult to envision the 76ers living up to their elevated expectations and hopes if their focal point is sidelined for too long, they can rely on Paul Reed in the frontcourt until he is ready to return.