Injury piles up for Joel Embiid as sinus fracture is latest worry for superstar and 76ers franchise
Fans left dismayed after Philly center Joel Embiid suffered a face injury after being accidently struck during a match against the Pacers.
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Joel Embiid suffered a sinus fracture vs Indiana Pacers
Joel Embiid might be the unluckiest player in the league. Having played only six games this season, Philadelphia fans are increasingly anxious and disheartened after their star big man sustained another injury during Friday’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
During the game at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Embiid suffered a face injury after an accidental strike during a play. Late in the first half, Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin inadvertently caught Embiid with a stray forearm, resulting in a severe sinus fracture. Doctors ruled Embiid out for the remainder of the game due to “impact to the right side of the face,” leaving fans in the stands visibly distraught.
Fans took to X to vent their frustration about what seems to be a perpetual problem that has plagued their beloved franchise. While some prayed for their favorite player’s fast recovery others ranted and raved.
This dudes so unlucky..
— 30?️roblemz (@30problemz) December 14, 2024
Before getting sidelined, Embiid scored 12 points in just 17 minutes. He shot 4-9 from the field, made 1 of his 2 three-point attempts, and recorded 4 rebounds and 5 assists. However, another injury blindsided him and stopped him in his tracks.
NBA Legends question Joel Embiid’s ‘toughness’
Recently, two of the game’s most iconic big men, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, raised questions about Embiid’s toughness and approach to managing injuries. During a segment on Inside the NBA, Shaq and Chuck didn’t hold back in their assessment of Embiid’s decision-making when it comes to playing through physical challenges.
It doesn’t make sense. The league isn’t that physical for him to say that he’s a pick and popper. He’s not a big guy, you pick and pop, you don’t get double, triple teamed, you don’t get flagrant fouled, there’s no reason to say I’m not playing back-to-back.
Shaquille O’Neal said
"It doesn't make sense, the league isn't that physical for him to say that" ?
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 22, 2024
Shaq & Chuck sound off on Embiid's comments that he may not play in back-to-backs pic.twitter.com/IVcAH9lJxi
Critics argue that Embiid’s approach to preserving his health, including sitting out back-to-back games and managing a myriad of injuries, undermines his team’s ability to build rhythm and chemistry, especially when it comes to the new 76ers roster that include stars like Paul George.
Supporters of Embiid, however, argue that the NBA’s evolution has created different challenges. The pace of the game, combined with Embiid’s history of injuries—including back, foot, and knee issues—as well as his latest face injury, requires a cautious approach.
When he is healthy, there is no disputing his MVP-level play, but when he is not, the whole Philidelphia franchise and City suffers. Even Gilbert Arenas suggested that maybe it’s time for “The Big Man” to take a back seat to Tyrese Maxey or Paul George for the sake of the team.
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Anubhav Bajpeyee
(238 Articles Published)