Joel Embiid leaves game, will not return after inadvertent blow to face

Joel Embiid was in just his second game back from his troublesome knee issue when this happened.

That is the Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin incidentally hitting Embiid in the face when going for a rebound and putback. Embiid went to the ground and, soon after, straight to the locker room. He is not returning to the game and will undergo further testing, the 76ers announced.

This was the sixth game Embiid has played this season, missing time previously due to “left knee injury management.” Embiid is averaging 22 points and 8.4 rebounds a game when he has played this season, including dropping 31 on the Bulls five days ago.

Philly’s big three of Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey have played just two games together. The theory that having three stars would mean a couple would be able to pick up the slack when one was out has not proven to work. The 76ers are 7-15, and if the postseason started today, they wouldn’t even make the play-in.

If Embiid has to miss more time, that will just add to their woes.