In the span of just a few weeks, things have changed a lot for the Philadelphia 76ers. They lost four games in a row and they also lost their best player, perhaps for a very long time. After battling injuries for a brief period, Joel Embiid suffered a meniscus injury during a game against the Golden State Warriors this week and is now contemplating surgery.
To make matters worse, former NBA player and analyst Charles Barkley said a lengthy absence for Embiid could spell certain doom for the team.
"The Sixers without him, they might be a lottery team," Barkley said on Inside the NBA. "I hope he's not out an extended period of time."
Sadly, there is a very good chance that Embiid could miss a sizable amount of time. Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that there is "uncertainty" about how the medical staff for the Sixers will move forward and treat Embiid's meniscus situation. They are going to spend a few days weighing their options before committing to anything.
The 76ers have a 30-17 record but that number could change for the worse without Embiid. The seven-time All-Star is averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists on 53.3% from the field. Without Embiid, the 76ers will need to rely on players like Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and Kelly Oubre much more.
If Barkley is correct and the Sixers really do plummet in the standings without Embiid, it'll be a huge fall from grace for the team that was poised to have its best season in years. Although the Sixers' fate isn't yet sealed, things could be looking very bad for them if Embiid and the medical staff decide that surgery is the best option.
There's still uncertainty about how the Sixers medical staff, several specialists and Embiid will move forward to the treat the injured meniscus. They'll take more time over the next several days to chart a course.
Sixers star Joel Embiid has an injured lateral meniscus in his left knee and will be out through the weekend while a treament plan is finalized, sources tell ESPN.
