Philadelphia 76ers fans are in for a tough night as their star center, Joel Embiid, will be sitting out Tuesday’s highly anticipated matchup against the Boston Celtics (8 ET, Peacock/NBC). But here’s where it gets concerning: Embiid’s absence is due to lingering right knee soreness, a reminder of the injury struggles that have shadowed his career. The team has announced that he’s under evaluation by their medical staff to determine the next steps, leaving fans on edge about his return. This isn’t the first time Embiid’s knees have sidelined him—last season, arthroscopic surgery on his left knee cut his 2024-25 campaign short after just 19 games. Despite his injury history, Embiid has been a powerhouse when on the court, averaging 19.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over six games this season. And this is the part most people miss: While the Sixers (6-4) have started strong, thanks to standout performances from point guard Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe, Embiid’s absence could test their depth against a formidable Celtics team. Controversial question: Is relying too heavily on Embiid’s dominance a risk the Sixers can’t afford, or is he the irreplaceable cornerstone of their championship hopes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
