Breaking: Sixers and Joel Embiid Get Crushing News

An MVP just two years ago, Joel Embiid's career has hit a new low in 2025. After hobbling through the season at far less than full capacity, playing only 19 games, the Philadelphia Sixers have now ruled out Embiid for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

Philadelphia's Joel Embiid has been ruled out for the season. pic.twitter.com/5AHSkwHtPr
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 28, 2025

Embiid has had two knee surgeries on this left meniscus problem. He re-injured the knee over a year ago during a game in the middle of last season, leading to the second surgery. It's been bothering him ever since.

The loss of Embiid changes the calculus in Philly from trying to scramble back into the playoff picture, to joining the tank party, otherwise known as the Raise the White Flag for (Cooper) Flagg race.

The Sixers' pending first-round pick this year is only top-6 protected (they currently have the 6th-worst record in the NBA). If the lottery leaves them with a pick at seven or below, it goes to the OKC Thunder.

The Sixers are currently one game worse than the Nets and 2.5 games worse than the Bulls in the chase for the bottom, but have a 3.5 game margin to drop below the next-worst team, the Toronto Raptors.

Embiid's season ended with him flying out of bounds and landing with a thud.

Joel Embiid's final possession of the season is sadly fitting. As I've said before, Embiid's desire to play shouldn't be questioned. He has prematurely returned from many injuries for the postseason. I'm glad he's prioritizing his long-term health. pic.twitter.com/wM02NWpypf
— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) February 28, 2025