The Philadelphia 76ers have been riding high for much of this season, and they survived the James Harden fiasco to become a championship contender.
However, they have hit some tough sledding lately with Joel Embiid missing some games due to injury, which has caused them to fall in the standings.
He suffered a knee injury in Tuesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors, and he has been diagnosed with a lateral meniscus injury in his left knee.
Shaquille O’Neal, who himself was a dominant center back in the day, said he feels bad for Embiid.
“I love the way he was playing,” O’Neal said of Embiid. “He’s been in a groove all year. Hopefully [the injury] is not as bad as what’s been reported.”
“I feel for the kid… He was the clear cut MVP for this year.”
Shaq’s reaction to Joel Embiid’s meniscus injury pic.twitter.com/3u3K0QcFmc
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 2, 2024
Embiid is averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.8 blocked shots a game this season, and those are numbers that are reminiscent of the ones O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion, put up at his peak.
The Sixers superstar was last season’s MVP, and he was the favorite to win this season’s MVP until his recent health problems.
In addition, he’s in position to lead the league in scoring for a third straight season.
However, he has now missed 12 of his team’s games, and because of a new league rule aimed at curbing load management, he will be ineligible for any individual awards if he ends up playing in fewer than 65 regular-season games.
Philly is now on a four-game losing streak, and in a matter of days, they have gone from third place to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Many feel they could challenge the Boston Celtics, who have the best record in basketball, but for that to happen, Embiid will need to be healthy, especially come playoff time.
NEXT:
Insider Reveals Unfortunate Injury For Joel Embiid
