Philadelphia 76ers' star player Joel Embiid missed his third consecutive game due to a sprained left foot, highlighting the team's ongoing struggle without him. The Sixers have a record of 8-14 when Embiid is not in the lineup, showing how crucial his presence is on the court. Despite the setback, the team remains hopeful for his return in the upcoming games.
Embiid's season has been marred by multiple injuries, limiting him to just 13 games. Apart from his current foot injury, he has dealt with left knee soreness, a sinus fracture, and a three-game suspension. These challenges have affected his performance, with current averages of 24.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, which are lower than his career averages. A two-time NBA scoring champion, Embiid's ability to lead the team offensively has been missed.
"He was not only a great pick by our organization, he was really impacting the team in a positive manner," – Nick Nurse
The game against the New Orleans Pelicans also missed another star, Zion Williamson, further diminishing its anticipated excitement. Embiid's absence left a significant void for the Sixers, who also announced that rookie Jared McCain would be out for the remainder of the season following left knee surgery. McCain had been averaging 15.3 points over 23 games and was anticipated to be a key player.
Despite these challenges, Embiid continues to captivate fans off the court as well. With nearly 5 million followers on TikTok, he has become an online sensation. His early performances in the season, which included starting eight games and becoming an instant fan favorite, have kept fans hopeful for his swift return.
The Sixers' head coach Nick Nurse commented on Embiid's condition, noting that while his knee has been "pretty good," the primary concern remains his foot. However, there is optimism within the team that this injury is not a long-term issue.
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