Philadelphia 76ers fans were hit with another blow this week as Joel Embiid was ruled out for the team’s heavy loss to the Chicago Bulls. After undergoing imaging on his left knee, which has plagued him throughout the season, Embiid’s status remains uncertain, with the 76ers taking a cautious approach as they determine the next steps.

Head coach Nick Nurse confirmed that Embiid’s injury is still being evaluated. “We’re continuing the testing process today and tomorrow to assess the situation further,” Nurse shared. “We’re not making any long-term conclusions at this point.” While the coach made it clear that the team isn’t declaring Embiid’s season over, the uncertainty surrounding his knee continues to loom large over the franchise.

This is the latest chapter in what has been a frustrating year for the reigning MVP. Embiid has dealt with consistent left knee issues dating back to last season, with a specific setback coming in January after a fall by Jonathan Kuminga in a game against the Golden State Warriors. Despite multiple treatments and rehab efforts, Embiid has voiced his frustration with the lack of progress, which has only amplified the pressure on both him and the team.

After a blowout loss to the Boston Celtics last Thursday, Embiid admitted that he needed to resolve his knee problems to get back to his elite form, a level of play that earned him the MVP award in 2023. However, his struggles this season—marked by career-lows in both shooting efficiency and three-point percentage, have raised questions about his long-term health and the impact on his future performance.

In a recent loss to the Brooklyn Nets, Embiid was notably absent in the fourth quarter, reportedly after tweaking his knee in the third. Coach Nurse explained that he felt the team on the floor had a better rhythm at that point and didn’t need Embiid to close out the game. This decision highlights how the 76ers are prioritizing Embiid’s health, even if it means sitting him out during crucial moments.

As of now, Embiid is averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, though his shooting stats have been below his usual high standards. With a player option worth $69 million looming in 2028, the stakes are high for Embiid to get back to peak form, especially after signing a long-term extension in September that ties him to the team until the end of the 2028-2029 season.

Despite missing significant time this season, now out for over two-thirds of the games, Embiid’s value to the 76ers is undeniable. His absence has contributed to the team’s current seven-game losing streak, which has only added to the frustration. Nurse acknowledged the disappointment felt by both Embiid and the team, noting that no one had envisioned a season like this one. “We want him to play, he wants to play, and our best version of the team is when he’s out there,” Nurse explained. “But we haven’t seen that yet.”

As the 76ers continue to navigate their season without a fully healthy Embiid, the question remains: when will he return to the level of play that led him to the MVP award? The team’s success hinges on his ability to stay on the court, and his knee injury has only deepened the mystery surrounding his future in the coming weeks.

The 76ers’ situation is becoming more critical with each passing game, but with the medical staff working tirelessly to figure out the best course of action, there’s still hope that Embiid will be able to return to his dominant form soon. Until then, the 76ers must find a way to weather the storm without their superstar center.