Sad news for the 76ers: he is back...

Joel Embiid sidelined for a minimum of 1-2 weeks following a torn ligament in his left hand.

Philadelphia – Joel Embiid is facing another surgical procedure, this time to address a torn ligament in one of his fingers on his left hand, marking the latest in a series of setbacks for the injury-prone All-Star center of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Having averaged 23.4 points and 12.3 rebounds across 31 games this season, Embiid underwent surgery on Friday and is set for re-evaluation within one to two weeks.

Embiid’s career has been marred by injuries, never managing to play more than 64 games in a single season. This latest injury occurred during Monday night’s game against Oklahoma City, where he sustained a radial collateral ligament injury in his ring finger during the first half. The injury was visibly severe, prompting teammate Ben Simmons to express feeling queasy upon seeing it.

During the game, Embiid continued to play with his injured finger taped, albeit with significant limitations. He recounted being unable to utilize both hands effectively, resorting to tapping motions instead.

For the Sixers, Embiid’s absence is a familiar challenge. They have previously navigated through playoff runs without him due to illnesses and knee injuries. This season, they had aimed to manage his playing time more cautiously to preserve his health. Fortunately, this injury occurred prior to the All-Star break, easing concerns about his availability for postseason play.

In Embiid’s absence, the team adjusted its starting lineup, with Mike Scott joining Al Horford, Tobias Harris, Josh Richardson, and Simmons for Thursday’s game against Boston.

Despite the setback, coach Brett Brown remains optimistic, viewing it as an opportunity for the team to adapt and grow. Embiid’s injury history, dating back to his entry into the NBA in 2014 as the third overall pick, underscores ongoing concerns about his long-term health and durability.

Embiid’s journey to basketball stardom began relatively late, transitioning from soccer to basketball during his teenage years in Cameroon. With the guidance of NBA veteran Luc Mbah a Moute, he made the leap to the United States, eventually landing at Montverde Academy before a brief stint at Kansas University.

Looking ahead, Brown emphasizes the importance of prioritizing Embiid’s health and well-being, not just for the current playoffs but for his future in the league.