Joel Embiid is currently set to undergo meniscus surgery, effectively sidelining him from the ongoing season. The Philadelphia 76ers, boasting a 30-18 record and holding the fifth spot in the conference, have struggled significantly in his absence. They have a dismal 4-10 record without him. Despite Embiid making appearances at games, eliciting boos in Denver, he has taken a back seat since his injury against the Golden State Warriors.

In the recent matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, with 10 minutes left on the clock, it appeared that Embiid had a resurgence of his takeover mentality. Faced with a 6-point deficit, he brought his cheers to the team bench, sparking anticipation for a potential run.

Embiid’s presence didn’t provide a morale boost to the roster; instead, it served as a stark reminder of what they were missing. He made an entrance when Philadelphia was trailing 74-80. Fast forward to the final buzzer, and the score escalated to 102-118. The Dallas Mavericks delivered their strongest quarter of the game (41 points), leaving the 76ers in desperate need of a prayer or two throughout.

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Although the Sixers initially stood their ground in the game, their aspirations for current team harmony took a hit. Six Mavs players scored in double digits, exposing the Sixers’ struggle to achieve balanced scoring. Despite dominating the boards with a 51-44 advantage, the Sixers faced challenges in efficient ball rotation. This translated into fewer attempts from beyond the arc, increased turnovers, and decreased assists.

Joel Embiid is a little shaken up by the surgery

The Philadelphia 76ers, comprising players, staff, and coach Nick Nurse, have united to offer support to Embiid amid his ongoing battle. Coach Nick Nurse has maintained constant communication with the center, providing valuable insights into Embiid’s mindset and coping strategies for this week’s upcoming surgery.

Reflecting on their discussions before the Dallas game, Nurse acknowledged, “I think he’s probably a little up and down, to be honest with you.” However, he then emphasized positive elements, summarizing that, like any individual, Embiid is navigating through a range of emotions.

Before the injury, Embiid was the clear frontrunner for the MVP award, delivering a historic season with an average of 35.3 points per game. Moreover, he was on track for a potential third consecutive scoring title and back-to-back MVP honors, showcasing consistency with at least 30 points in 22 consecutive games. Additionally, he became the only modern NBA player to post more points than minutes throughout the season.

However, the setback of missing extended games threatens to rob Embiid of the recognition he deserves for his outstanding efforts. Under the new agreement, players must participate in at least 65 games out of 82 to be eligible for season awards such as MVP and All-NBA honors.

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