Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been ruled out of Monday night’s home game against the Chicago Bulls after undergoing new imaging on his injured left knee, ESPN reported.
The continuing difficulties with Embiid’s knee have him and the 76ers seeking further medical opinions about possible options, including surgery, according to ESPN on Sunday.
The report said Embiid, the 2022-23 MVP and a seven-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion, was expected to consult specialists after Monday’s imaging.
Embiid has played in just 19 of the Sixers’ 56 games this season, and is averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He is shooting 44.4 percent from the field, well below his career mark of 50.1.
In Saturday’s 105-103 loss to the visiting Brooklyn Nets, Embiid was limited to 31 minutes. He fell to the floor after losing the ball late in the third quarter, appeared slow to get back up and was held out of the fourth quarter. His knee was swollen after the game.
The center underwent surgery for a meniscus tear in the knee in February 2024 and played in only 39 games last season. Embiid has acknowledged that he might need extended rest for the injury to heal, but he has been trying to stay on the court.
Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey is questionable for Monday night’s matchup against the Bulls due to a right finger sprain.
The 76ers sit 12th in the Eastern Conference, 1 1/2 games out of the 10th spot, which represents the last berth in the play-in tournament to try to make the playoffs.
