It’s safe to say that the Sixers are far from orchestrating a recovery this season. Last night, they took on the Trail Blazers straight after their surprise win over the Warriors. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t carry forward the momentum and suffered a 119-102 loss. It’s their 10th loss in the last 11 games. While the losing record may sound concerning, the team has lost another star to injury. As Joel Embiid explores options to repair his knee, Coach Nick Nurse dropped a concerning update on Tyrese Maxey.

The team stepped on the court last night without Paul George and Embiid, and still put a promising performance in the first half, raking up a 12-point lead. But after the break, the team lost the plot after Tyrese Maxey exited the floor with a back contusion in the third quarter. Mind you, Maxey laced up for the game despite a nagging finger injury.

Following the game, Nick Nurse made a promising update on the back injury, saying, “He had a couple of doctors check him out. At this point, nothing too serious. They did say that could change in the morning, but hopefully not.” However, the update on the finger injury doesn’t seem too promising. Austin Krell, a reporter covering the Sixers, stated that Maxey’s finger is “not feeling better” as per the 76ers coach. 

With the race for the 10th spot still open in the East between three teams (76ers, Bulls, and Raptors), the rising star’s injury isn’t something the fans would want to hear. But it is what it is. It leaves the team with no option other than to drop this season and focus on the future. Ironically, that also depends on an injury update.

A few days ago, the team ruled out Joel Embiid for the rest of the season with his knee injury. So, the big man has roughly 7 months to get himself prepared for the pre-season training in September. Let’s look at Embiid’s options.

As the clock ticks faster, Joel Embiid has an important decision to make 

A day before, NBA Insider Shams Charania revealed Embiid’s conversation with the Sixers’ owner before taking off from the rest of the season. Reportedly, the team has agreed to give the big man the time to recover from the lingering knee injury. Charania also added that the team’s medical staff had attempted various methods to reduce the swelling and wanted the former MVP to continue playing this season.

Unfortunately, that option was ruled out. Moreover, former NBA star Chandler Parsons listed out the options that Embiid explored to fix his knee. Featuring in Run it Back, he said, “I talked to Joel Embiid. He’s thought about going to Germany and doing the Kobe Bryant shots.” 

The Kobe Bryant shot is one of the famous medical treatments that the Lakers legend underwent in Germany. It’s originally called the Orthokine therapy. The procedure involves drawing of patient’s blood, spinning it, separating the platelets and re-injecting it back in the affected joints. Unfortunately, that option is also out for Embiid.

Parsons further continued, “There are different methods and ways to manage your pain. But when it comes down to this, and it’s something that is surgically required to fix it, you have to do it… Seeing where they are right now, this is the right move.” So, it looks like Embiid will take the surgical route.

Hopefully, the big man recovers in time for the next season.