Joel Embiid to Undergo Surgery on Troubling Knee Next Week

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee next week, a team official announced Wednesday, signaling a critical step in addressing ongoing concerns regarding his health.

The procedure aims to alleviate persistent symptoms Embiid has been experiencing, allowing him to perform at a higher level. Team sources noted that this will be Embiid’s second surgery on the same knee in just over a year.

Embiid was ruled out for the rest of the season in late February after meeting with several doctors and specialists to determine the best course of treatment. The team is hopeful for a full recovery, with a re-evaluation set to take place in six weeks.

Before his season was cut short, Embiid battled significant pain and swelling in his knee, managing to appear in only 19 games during the 2024-25 season. He averaged 23.8 points along with 8 rebounds and 4 assists per game. The 31-year-old, a former NBA MVP, has been an All-Star for the past seven seasons but faced various injuries that limited his playing time.

“I think the straightforward answer is that when you’ve got something that’s inconsistent, at some point, you’ve got to do something about it,” Embiid explained in February. “We don’t know what it is. We’re looking into every option.”

Last season, he played only 39 games after sustaining a torn meniscus in the same knee. Following surgery in February 2024, Embiid returned to contribute to the team’s playoff efforts.

The Sixers have struggled this season, holding a 23-53 record and losing 26 of their last 30 games. Without Embiid, the team has significantly struggled, going 12-27. The recent addition of star player Paul George hasn’t alleviated the challenges as George was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury.

The upcoming surgery places the 76ers in a precarious position as they head toward the 2025 NBA draft. Their first-round pick is top-six protected, meaning if it falls to No. 7 or lower, it will go to the Oklahoma City Thunder.