The 2024-25 season has been anything but smooth sailing for Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. What was expected to be a competitive and promising year has turned into a frustrating rollercoaster, with injuries taking center stage. Out of the 54 games played so far, Embiid has only managed to step onto the court for 17 of them. The culprit? A lingering and serious meniscus injury in his left knee that traces back to the 2023-24 season.
The Numbers Tell the Story
When he’s been available, Embiid has put up respectable numbers—24.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. However, his efficiency has taken a hit. He’s shooting just 45.4% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc, both of which are below his usual dominant standards. It’s clear that he’s not at full strength, and that has undeniably hurt the Sixers’ rhythm all season long.
The struggles go beyond just personal performance, though. Philadelphia was hoping to develop strong chemistry between Embiid and new teammates like Paul George, but with the big man in and out of the lineup, that process has been significantly delayed. For a team trying to make a deep playoff push, inconsistency in their star player's availability is the last thing they need.
All-Star Break: A Time for Rest
One noticeable impact of his limited playtime is that Embiid won’t be heading to the All-Star Game this year. While it’s always an honor to be selected, he’s embracing the unexpected time off as an opportunity to focus on getting healthy.
“Probably rest,” Embiid said when asked about his plans for the break. “Try to keep getting better with the knee. It’s kinda hard to—obviously, I use games as a way to get conditioning because as we try to manage what’s going on, it’s kinda hard to use that in practice and workouts and stuff, so try to keep doing whatever I’ve been doing. Especially, if I’m gonna be off the floor, keep doing whatever has been helping me as far as taking care of my body, and then rest.”
Sixers’ Playoff Push Hinges on Embiid’s Health
The Sixers still have 28 games left in the regular season once they return from the All-Star break. That’s plenty of time to make a strong push in the Eastern Conference standings, but let’s be real—without a healthy and locked-in Embiid, their ceiling is significantly lower. They need their MVP-caliber big man at full strength if they want any chance of competing with the likes of the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat.
Injuries have always been a concern with Embiid, and this season is no different. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that the Sixers aren’t in a do-or-die situation just yet. A well-rested, properly rehabbed Embiid could make all the difference down the stretch.
The Road Ahead: Can Embiid Regain His Form?
One of the biggest questions moving forward is whether Embiid can return to the dominant force we’ve come to expect. His conditioning has been an issue, and he’s admitted that getting into game shape has been difficult while managing his injury. Unlike other players who can rely on practice and workouts, Embiid has had to navigate a delicate balance between rest and staying sharp.
For Philly fans, it’s a waiting game. Will Embiid come back stronger and more determined after the break? Will the Sixers be able to finally build some consistency around him and their new core?
There’s no doubt that a fully healthy Embiid is one of the most unstoppable forces in the league. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor makes him invaluable to the Sixers' success. But as this season has shown, availability is just as important as ability. If he can’t stay on the floor, the Sixers’ championship hopes might fade faster than expected.
Final Thoughts: High Hopes, But Uncertain Future
As much as fans would love to see Embiid back to his MVP-level dominance, patience is key. The All-Star break presents a golden opportunity for him to rest, recover, and reset. If he can return in peak form for the final stretch, the Sixers could still turn things around and make a deep playoff run. But if the knee issues persist? It could be another season of ‘what could have been’ for Philly.
No one doubts Embiid’s talent, heart, or dedication. The only question that remains is: Can his body hold up long enough to carry the Sixers where they need to go? The next few weeks will tell us everything we need to know.
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