76ers' Joel Embiid Not Ruled Out for Season, Will Get Additional Tests on Knee Injury

Joel Embiid has been ruled out for the Philadelphia 76ers' game against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night after undergoing imaging on his knee, but his season is not necessarily over.

Head coach Nick Nurse told reporters that, in addition to Monday’s imaging, further testing will be conducted on Monday night and Tuesday. This will help guide the team’s decision on the best course of action.

Despite doubts, Nurse has not ruled Embiid out for the remainder of the season, as the big man is averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5

“I think they’re trying to do all the things that they think are necessary each and every day to try to get it better,” Nurse told reporters over the weekend. “I would agree with you that he’s not moving nearly as well as he was… We were hoping maybe some conditioning and rhythm … would get that going, but it doesn’t appear that way right now."

ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported Embiid would be ruled out of Monday's game against the Bulls.   

The former MVP has been consulting with doctors about his ongoing left knee issues and is considering alternative options, including surgery, per Charania.

"The way I was playing a year ago, it's not the way I'm playing right now,” Embiid told reporters on Thursday. “It sucks. But I believe ... I probably need to fix the problem and then I'll be back at that level, but it's hard to have trust when you're not yourself."

Last season, Embiid posted career highs in points per game (34.7) and assists (5.6), along with 11 rebounds. He also shot his best from the free throw line (88 percent) and the three-point line (29 percent).

However, Embiid was limited to just 39 games last season due to a meniscus tear that required surgery in February. With a quick return in April, Embiid admitted he didn’t have enough time to fully recover, leading to lingering issues, Charania reported.

Embiid has been determined to play for the 12th-place Eastern Conference 76ers despite his injury, undergoing regular injections that have yet to improve his issues, per Charania.