The Philadelphia 76ers finally got Joel Embiid back on Sunday. One game and five days later, they lost him again before halftime.
Embiid got an inadvertent blow to the face from Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin in the final seconds of the second quarter Friday and left for the remainder of the game. Philadelphia went on to lose their 16th game of the season, 121-107, and Embiid was diagnosed with a sinus fracture.
The 2023 MVP had 12 points and five assists when he departed, but the Sixers were understandably cautious with their franchise player. Embiid has had two orbital fractures in the past. No matter how bad this season has started, with the team falling to 7-16, they’ve got Embiid signed through 2028.
Besides, he might not be much help. Embiid has suited up for six games this season, and the Sixers are 1-5 in those contests. Even Friday, Philadelphia was outscored by 11 points in Embiid’s 17 minutes.
The Sixers need Embiid to be healthy and to play his way into shape. Friday night, that goal took a big step back.
