Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will be sidelined for at least three games after sustaining a strained right oblique during Thursday’s 124-117 victory over the Miami Heat, the team announced Saturday.
An MRI exam confirmed the injury, according to the 76ers. Embiid, who had 26 points and 11 rebounds against Miami, will miss Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics. Further evaluation is scheduled following back-to-back home games on Tuesday and Wednesday, the team said.
The injury occurred during a game where Embiid showcased his offensive prowess, contributing significantly to the 76ers’ win. He led the Eastern Conference in scoring during February, averaging 29 points per game.
The timing of the injury presents a challenge for the 76ers as they navigate a competitive Eastern Conference landscape. The team has not specified the severity of the strain beyond the “at least three games” timeframe, leaving uncertainty surrounding Embiid’s return to the lineup.
News of Embiid’s injury surfaced prior to the team’s scheduled matchup against the Celtics, a key contest in the Eastern Conference standings. The 76ers will demand to rely on other players to fill the void left by the absence of their star center.