The Philadelphia 76ers’ tumultuous 2024-25 season has taken another unfortunate turn with a sinus fracture injury to their star center, Joel Embiid. The injury occurred during a home game against the Indiana Pacers, a game which the 76ers ultimately lost, further exacerbating their already disappointing 7-16 record. Embiid, a seven-time All-Star and the 2023 league MVP, suffered the injury after a collision with Pacers’ forward Bennedict Mathurin, resulting in a hard fall to the court. He exited the game and is scheduled for further evaluation by the team’s medical staff to determine the extent of the damage and a potential timeline for his return. The possibility of Embiid wearing a protective mask upon his return remains a potential option.
This latest setback adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging season for the 76ers. The team has been plagued by injuries, resulting in a dismal 3-14 start. Even a recent surge, winning four of their last six games, proved to be a fleeting reprieve. The team had previously held a meeting to address their struggles, during which Embiid’s punctuality and attendance at team events were brought into question. The 76ers were finally showing signs of improvement with the return of their core All-Stars – Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey – but Embiid’s new injury threatens to derail any momentum gained.
Embiid’s absence is a significant blow to a team heavily reliant on his presence. He has only played in six games this season, averaging 20.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks, numbers considerably lower than his career averages of 27.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. While his assist numbers remain relatively consistent with his career performance, his overall impact on the court is undeniable, and his absence leaves a void difficult to fill. The 76ers will need to find a way to navigate this latest challenge and maintain competitiveness in a tough Eastern Conference.
The injury also has implications for fantasy basketball owners who rely on Embiid’s production. With his extended absence a possibility, Andre Drummond, Embiid’s backup, becomes a valuable waiver wire pickup. Drummond, a two-time All-Star himself, has shown his rebounding prowess, averaging 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 points in just over 20 minutes per game this season. His per-36-minute rebounding rate of 14.7 suggests he could be a double-double machine if given starter minutes in Embiid’s absence. Fantasy owners should monitor Drummond’s playing time closely as Embiid’s injury status unfolds.
This season has been a stark contrast to the expectations surrounding the 76ers. Their struggles highlight the precarious nature of a team’s fortunes when key players are sidelined by injuries. The team’s early season struggles, internal discussions, and now Embiid’s injury paint a picture of a team searching for stability and consistency. The 76ers will need to rely on their depth and remaining star power to weather this storm and salvage what they can from a season that has quickly gone off the rails.
Moving forward, the 76ers’ medical staff will play a crucial role in determining the team’s outlook. A swift and complete recovery for Embiid is paramount to their hopes of turning the season around. In the meantime, the coaching staff will need to devise strategies to maximize the contributions of their remaining players and maintain a competitive edge. The team’s resilience will be tested, and their ability to adapt and overcome adversity will determine the ultimate trajectory of their season.
