Sixers’ Joel Embiid To Have Surgery For Orbital Fracture, Concussion Suffered Vs. Knicks

Joel Embiid sustained an orbital fracture that will require surgery, and he also has a concussion, the Philadelphia 76ers announced Thursday.

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The surgery for the orbital fracture in his left eye — the bone around the eye socket — will be performed in the coming days, the team added.

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Embiid is reportedly expected to return in two to four weeks. The Sixers (44-30, fourth in Western Conference) have clinched a spot in the playoffs, which begin April 14.

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Late Thursday, Embiid took to Twitter to reassure fans he will try to return as soon as possible.

Embiid suffered the injuries Wednesday night after brutally colliding with teammate Markelle Fultz during the Sixers’ 118-101 victory over the New York Knicks. Embiid was initially evaluated in the locker room and later transported to Jefferson Hospital for further evaluation and testing. Fultz — who recently returned from a long-awaited absence due to a shoulder injury — was not injured on the play.

Immediately after his injuries, the 24-year-old Cameroonian center passed the NBA’s locker room concussion assessment tool. Embiid was then placed in concussion protocol after he began experiencing symptoms.

Embiid was released from the hospital on Thursday but will not travel with the 76ers to Atlanta for Friday’s game against the Hawks, the Sixers said.

Embiid is averaging 22.9 points, 11 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.