This Christmas may not turn out to be the sweetest for Philadelphia 76ers fans. Amid a terrific season, shocking news has gutted them on NBA’s special night. The reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, has been sidelined before their Christmas night matchup against the Miami Heat.

Joel Embiid has probably had one of the most dominant stretches of his career in the past few weeks. The 76ers star has not only been on an MVP run like never before but also led his team to a comfortable position in the Eastern Conference. However, the 29-year-old will unfortunately not put on such a display on Christmas. But why?

Joel Embiid suffered an ankle sprain

Amid his dominant string of games, it seems as though the 76ers big man has sustained an injury. Embiid suffered an ankle sprain and will now miss one of the most exciting games during the season due to this. The 6x All-Star is currently averaging 35PPG and 11 RPG, leading the league in PPG. He also sits atop the NBA MVP race, comfortably eclipsing his fellow big man, Nikola Jokic.

Embiid will not travel with the team on Monday to take on the Miami Heat in the Kaseya Center. He is unfortunately also doubtful for the 76ers’ next game against the Orlando Magic due to this injury. The good news is, he is receiving treatment for his injury even during the holidays and is expected to return to action soon.

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Without Embiid, the 76ers have managed to hold ground, thanks to the 23-year-old sensation, Tyrese Maxey. They will now desperately need the services of the young guard to put away the resilient Miami Heat.

Reigning MVP’s historic season

Joel Embiid may not play the Christmas game, but his season so far has been one for the ages. Coming off an MVP season, the 29-year-old has wreaked havoc on the defenses this season, averaging a career-high 35 PPG. His defensive prowess, too, has only improved, making him an elite rim protector.

In the 25 games that he has played, he has shot a stunning 54% from the field. He has also dished out an impressive 6 APG, his career high. In his last 13 games, the Cameroonian has scored at least 30 points and grabbed at least 1o rebounds, breaking the franchise record for the longest such streak. He overtook Allen Iverson and Wilt Chamberlain to achieve this feat. He now trails the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar by only 3 games in this elite stat.

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The reigning MVP has had a spectacular season until his injury so far. The question of whether he will return in the same fall or suffer a downfall looms large. However, given his competitiveness, the 76ers big man will look to return stronger than ever.