76ers’ Joel Embiid’s Rough Season Just Worse After Shouting At Referee, Missing 20th Game

Seven-time All-Star Joel Embiid has had a rough season.

Much-maligned for his injury troubles, Embiid missed the first nine games of the season under a suspension and “left knee management,” played four of the next five games, and then missed seven straight. When he returned, he suffered a sinus fracture that sidelined him for a game. Combined, going into Monday’s game against the Spurs, Embiid had played just seven of a possible 26 games. The 76ers were 9-17.

Starting against the Spurs, Embiid put up nine points, an assist, and three rebounds in 14 minutes. With three minutes left in the first half, though, he was hit with an offensive foul for charging through Victor Wembanyama.

Clearly upset, Embiid argued vehemently with referee Jenna Schroeder about the call. The argument created a prolonged altercation, during which Embiid followed Schroeder, ripped his protective face mask off, and continued to get in her face after receiving a technical foul for his behavior. He was eventually restrained by teammates, handed a second technical foul, and ejected.

The game was a wild one for ejections, with Schroeder also handing out an ejection to the 76ers’ Andre Drummond before overturning it via video review.

Philadelphia was able to pull out a five-point win on the back of a 32-point appearance from G Tyrese Maxey, and Embiid returned the following game, contributing 27 points to lift the 76ers over the 22-8 Boston Celtics.

The Sixers now sit at 11-17, but continue to rely heavily on the production of the 2023 MVP to win games, particularly with rookie Jared McCain out for the season. At 12th in the Eastern Conference, they have work to do if they plan to secure a playoff spot. And that will require Embiid to play more than eight full games per 28.

He and the 76ers return to action Saturday night against the Utah Jazz.