Joel Embiid Rumors: 'Hope' Is 76ers Star Only Misses 1-2 Months with Knee Injury

Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid's recovery timeline is unclear, but Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that the "hope" is that Embiid will only miss one to two months after he has a procedure on his left knee.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Sunday that "the door isn't closed" on a return sometime this season.

At the time of his injury, Embiid was in the midst of another MVP-caliber campaign. He led the NBA with 35.3 points per game while adding 11.3 rebounds, a career-high 5.7 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals. Wilt Chamberlain is the only other player ever to average 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a single season.

The injury occurred when Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga fell on Embiid's knee during the fourth quarter of their Jan. 30 matchup. He had missed time earlier this season with left knee soreness, and he is no stranger to meniscus injuries.

A small meniscus tear in his right knee forced him to miss Game 5 of the 2021 first-round playoff series vs. the Washington Wizards. He missed 37 games in 2016-17 after undergoing season-ending surgery on his meniscus.

The loss of Embiid is a major blow to the Sixers, who sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a 30-18 record. Philadelphia has gone 26-8 this season with Embiid healthy.

Without Embiid in the lineup, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris will shoulder the scoring load for the Sixers as they try to maintain their position in the playoff race.