Over the years the Philadelphia 76ers endured many challenges but this? It might be their final challenge. This could mark the end.

During the season’s beginning they presented all the characteristics of a genuine playoff team. The team added Paul George to their roster while acquiring Tyrese Maxey along with their commitment to retain their MVP-star Joel Embiid. The team structure seemed perfectly aligned through their statistical assessments. The present situation stands completely against how affairs appeared at the beginning of the season. Philly currently occupies a 12th place position in the East while fighting to maintain any chance they have of entering the playoffs.

And the biggest reason? Joel Embiid simply isn’t himself.

For weeks, concerns have been swirling around his knee injury. But it turns out the situation is more complicated than initially thought. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has shed new light on the issue, leaving the Sixers with more questions than answers. The uncertainty surrounding the injury is causing more problems than the injury itself—and the team is taking further action to get to the bottom of it.

If you need proof that this isn’t just a minor setback, look no further than their 105-103 loss to Brooklyn. Embiid had already been moving gingerly after hitting the floor in the third quarter. But when the fourth quarter rolled around? He never checked back in. Not because of load management. Not because of strategy. Because his knee swelled up again. That’s not just concerning—it’s alarming.

For those hoping this is just a temporary setback, Windhorst’s update crushed that optimism. “This isn’t a new process. This is something they’ve repeatedly had to do because this injury keeps coming back,” Windhorst reported. “He keeps getting swelling. He keeps having to be shut down. And from what I’ve been told, it’s not as simple as ‘get the surgery or try to push through it.’”

And that is the worst part. This isn’t a clear-cut ‘surgery or no surgery’ situation. It’s something far more complicated, something that doesn’t even have a definitive answer yet.

But honestly? You don’t need a medical report to see it. Just watch Embiid play. His usual dominance isn’t there. His movement isn’t as fluid. On top of that, he knows it, too.

“The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I’m playing right now,” he admitted after Philly’s 124-104 loss to Boston. “I probably need to fix the problem, and then I’ll be back at that level.” And that’s the most frustrating part. It’s not just that he’s hurt—it’s that he doesn’t know when or how he’ll truly be back.

Against Brooklyn, he finished with just 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting. He settled and missed all six of his three-point attempts. This is a guy who dominated the league last season. But now? He’s struggling to find his rhythm. And it’s not just an off-night—it’s becoming a pattern.

Even Nick Nurse had to acknowledge it. “He’s not the guy we’re used to seeing play at a super high level,” Nurse admitted. “But I commend him for giving us what he can.”

And that’s where the Sixers are right now—just trying to survive. Windhorst put it bluntly: “Their outlook right now is maybe get into the play-in and make a run. But you’re only making that run if Joel Embiid is healthy.”

And at this point? That’s a big ‘if.’

Joel Embiid’s Injury Leaves the Sixers With No Easy Way Out

This was supposed to be the season Philly finally put it all together. They handed Paul George a $212 million contract, locked in Maxey, and committed to Embiid as their franchise cornerstone.

But here’s the harsh reality—none of it matters if their MVP isn’t right. The Sixers are already exploring different options. Surgery is still on the table. However, if Embiid goes under the knife, he could be done for the season. On the other hand, trying to push through without a clear recovery plan could make things even worse.

Meanwhile, Paul George isn’t exactly thriving either. Recently, he admitted that he’s just “hanging in there” to help the team. And that’s not the kind of statement you want to hear from your second-best player when your first option is dealing with an injury this serious.

Even analysts aren’t holding back. Stephen A. Smith flat-out called the Sixers’ situation a “joke”, saying they should just sit their stars and start thinking about next season.

“You’ve got the perfect excuse because Paul George is injured. He’s not been healthy all year, even though he’s been on the court sometimes. Joel Embiid – when did he look good this year? When was he moving well this year? It has not been the case. They are done. This season is over. The city knows it.” Smith said.

And honestly? As harsh as it sounds, he might have a point.

The Sixers are in a tailspin, plummeting to 12th in the Eastern Conference standings. Their playoff hopes are rapidly fading, and unless they turn things around quickly, this season could become one of the most crushing disappointments in franchise history.