Questions Surrounding The 76ers After Embiid’s Injury

The Philadelphia 76ers will have to navigate life without their best player.

The team announced Thursday that star center Joel Embiid suffered a lateral meniscus injury during Tuesday’s match against the Golden State Warriors. With an uncertain timetable to return, here are the potential ramifications of Embiid’s absence.

BREAKING: 76ers star Joel Embiid — the reigning MVP — will undergo a procedure this week to repair a left meniscus injury, a team official tells ESPN. A recovery timeline is expected after procedure, but expectation is that he will miss an extended period of time. pic.twitter.com/9c3ZqM7iT2

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2024

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Who will fill in for Embiid who is on the current roster?

Point guard Tyler Maxey is the de-factor replacement leader for the Sixers. He averages 26.2 points per game and already leads his team in minutes played per game. The fourth-year player is well-prepared to carry the offense during Embiid’s absence. Veterans Tobias Harris and Kelly Oubre Jr. are also capable players who can step up in the interim to replace Embiid’s offensive production. 

Will the 76ers make any moves before the trade deadline?

It might be best if the Sixers aim not to replace Embiid, but simply add a piece that can complement the reigning MVP once he returns. The deadline is fast approaching (February 8), but an intriguing option could be Indiana Pacers small forward and shooting guard Buddy Hield. With one year remaining on his contract, he could be moved to a team with more legitimate championship aspirations. Hield is a fantastic three-point shooter who can make up initially in Embiid’s absence but can complement the superstar well down the road when both players are healthy and on the court. A contending team adding more shooting talent can’t be a bad thing, with or without considering Embiid’s injury.

What does this all mean for the rest of the Eastern Conference?

Philadelphia, as of Sunday afternoon, is fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, holding a 30-18 record. They have some breathing room in avoiding the play-in game as well. However, the Sixers are already 6.5 games behind the Boston Celtics for first in the conference. The Embiid injury means that any slim hopes of Philadelphia chasing a top seed in the postseason are likely over. This doesn’t mean Philadelphia can’t survive or even thrive for the rest of the season- but expectations have been lowered for now.