The Philadelphia 76ers have punched way above their weight so far this season. Few people expected the Sixers to be near the top of the Eastern Conference standings after the James Harden trade fiasco. But they have pleasantly surprised their skeptics by playing a brand of basketball that was not expected of them.

While new head coach Nick Nurse deserves immense plaudits, it is Joel Embiid’s otherworldly performances which are the driving force behind their stellar form. However, after missing their last game, Nick Nurse has provided a concerning update on Joel Embiid’s health.

Embiid misses practice due to a knee injury

Joel Embiid has maintained the MVP-level performance from the previous season into the current one, playing a pivotal role in the Sixers’ success. He has become the focal point of the team’s offense, a significant shift from the previous season. However, Nurse revealed that Embiid didn’t participate in today’s practice session because of knee swelling. But the coach has refused to rule him out for Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey posted video evidence to his social media where Embiid can be seen with a heavily wrapped left knee. This doesn’t bode well for the Sixers, who have struggled in the absence of Embiid. When the 29-year-old has been absent from the lineup this season, the Sixers have registered just two victories and suffered six defeats and they look like a mid-table side at best.

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Joel Embiid has grappled with recurrent knee injuries, a persistent issue that has plagued him throughout his career and posed challenges for the team. The Sixers’ fans are hoping that Embiid’s injury isn’t serious, as their title hopes rest on his shoulders.

Can the Sixers mount a title charge?

The Philadelphia 76ers have been perennial title contenders for the last few years. But for some reason or another, they have always failed to clear the last hurdle and win the championship. Despite having superstars like Embiid, James Harden and Allen Iverson on their roster, the Sixers last made an NBA Finals appearance in 2001. They last won an NBA title in 1983, 41 years ago.

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While they have performed admirably this season, an NBA title looks extremely unlikely. There are teams who have better players and more playoff experience. However, the Sixers could prove to be a formidable opponent for any team in the playoffs. The only thing stopping the Sixers from a deep playoff run is an injury to Joel Embiid. The Sixers’ fans would hope that the injury bug doesn’t bite Embiid again in the playoffs.

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