Fri Feb 28 21:10:00 UTC 2025: **Embiid’s Knee Issues: More Than Just Pain Tolerance, Sixers Say**

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid’s prolonged absence is not simply due to pain tolerance, the team and outside medical experts say. Embiid, who has missed nearly two-thirds of the season due to a lingering left knee injury, has faced criticism for allegedly “tanking” and prioritizing his massive contract over playing. However, the team counters that the situation is far more complex.

Embiid has undergone two surgeries on his left knee, most recently a meniscus procedure last February. While he has a history of playing through injuries, his current recovery has stalled. Doctors explain that the issue isn’t just pain, but a lack of stability, strength, and mobility in the knee. The repeated stress on the joint, exacerbated by his size and playing style, is causing fluid buildup, which signals the body to limit movement.

The Sixers have consulted numerous specialists and explored various treatment options, including potentially “radical” procedures like meniscus replacement or osteotomy, which could sideline him for a year. These procedures, while having good success rates for recreational athletes, may be less effective for a high-impact player of Embiid’s stature.

Team sources acknowledge that Embiid’s knee is weak, unstable, and painful, swelling even after minimal activity. Recent tests have yielded no clear answers, and the Sixers remain tight-lipped about the specifics.

While the team initially projected Embiid to play around 60 games this season, his actual game count is far below that. The focus now is not just on pain management, but on restoring the knee’s function to a level where he can effectively contribute to the team, even if it means a diminished role compared to previous seasons. His future remains uncertain, as the extent of the damage to his cartilage complicates any potential recovery. The team is now focused on finding a solution that allows Embiid to return to the court, even if his playing time is reduced significantly.

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