76ers' Joel Embiid Will Have Arthroscopic Surgery on Season-Ending Knee Injury

Joel Embiid will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee next week, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Charania reported doctors will evaluate Embiid's progress in six weeks and that he's "expected to make a full recovery."

The 76ers announced Feb. 28 that the former MVP would miss the rest of the season after "ongoing issues with his left knee" left him "medically unable to play."

"The team and specialists will continue working with Joel to ensure the best path forward for his long-term health and performance," the 76ers said in their statement.

Embiid had played just 19 of the Sixers' first 58 games at the time of the announcement.

The 76ers originally announced in February 2024 that Embiid had undergone successful surgery on the meniscus in his left knee.

After two months of recovery, Embiid returned for the end of the regular season and the playoffs before joining Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Knee issues persisted as Embiid prepared for the 2024-25 campaign. He didn't make his season debut until Nov. 12, and even after his return, he was frequently in and out of the Sixers' lineup.

According to Charania and colleague Ramona Shelburne, Embiid received "numerous injections" in his left knee throughout the season as he "tried to play through the pain."

But Embiid's day-to-day status remained uncertain as the pain and swelling got worse, per Charania and Shelburne.

Embiid said for the first time in early February he might need another surgery on his left knee. He indicated then that more rest time this offseason, as opposed to his busy summer 2024, could aid his recovery.

Embiid has missed more than 400 games since the Sixers drafted him in 2014. He is under contract for two more seasons with a player option for the 2028-29 campaign.