Philadelphia 76ers' superstar center Joel Embiid has been officially sidelined for the rest of the 2024-2025 NBA season because of persistent issues with his left knee, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The team announced that after consulting with medical specialists, it was determined that Embiid requires dedicated treatment and rehabilitation to address the injury. This season, Embiid appeared in only 19 games, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, the lowest of his career since his rookie and sophomore years. His shooting percentage stood at 44.4%, below his career average of 50.1%.

ANALYSIS: The 30-year-old center has been grappling with knee complications since undergoing surgery for a meniscus tear in February 2024, which limited him to 39 games in the previous season. Despite efforts to manage the condition, including consultations with specialists and imaging tests, the decision was made to prioritize his long-term health.

Embiid's absence is a significant blow to the 76ers, who currently hold a 20-38 record and are positioned 12th in the Eastern Conference, trailing 2.5 games behind the Chicago Bulls for a potential Play-In Tournament spot. 

The team's struggles have been compounded by the underperformance of key players, including the recently signed Paul George. With Embiid's extended contract committing nearly $300 million to the franchise, his health remains a critical concern for the organization's future. As the 76ers face the possibility of missing the postseason for the first time since 2017, attention shifts to developing a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure Embiid's readiness for the 2025-2026 season.