The Sixers announced on Jan. 17 that Embiid, who had missed the prior six games with a left foot sprain, was now experiencing swelling in his left knee and would be re-evaluated in approximately 7-10 days.

Winning league MVP in 2023, Embiid followed that campaign by playing just 39 games the next season. Having already missed 31 games entering Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Embiid is ineligible for season awards due to the league's 65-game minimum rule.

Embiid’s played in just total 13 games thus far for the Sixers, who entered Wednesday 11th in the Eastern Conference standings at 15-23. He’s been sidelined by everything from troubles with his left knee and foot to a sinus fracture that’s led him to wear a protective mask in games since Dec. 20.

It’s the latest setback for Embiid, the often brilliant and frequently injured star whose games played total will remain stuck on 13 this unlucky season as the team heads for three challenging road games. It comes with the Sixers having lost four straight games and seven of nine ahead of a trip to play three teams in playoff position.

The Sixers got some good news on Monday as Joel Embiid returned to practice. Albeit, as a partial participant, but it is something for Philadelphia as it moves forward. The big fella will remain out for both the matchups with the Lakers and the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday,

Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey is facing a new challenge this season as the team’s unquestioned lead scoring option. The absence of Joel Embiid due to a knee injury has led to Maxey facing defenses game planning almost exclusively for him.

Joel Embiid appeared healthy and in good spirits at practice Monday, but the star big man will remain out for the Sixers’ next two games.

Joel Embiid was on the floor after Sixers practice Monday chatting with Tyrese Maxey, shooting jumpers and sweating. He even did a few handstands. A return to games is still not imminent. According to a Sixers official,