Joel Embiid is pushing to make a genuine case for another MVP consideration. However, his ankle injury has thrown a spanner in the works. The reigning MVP sprained his right ankle in the first quarter during the team’s 121-111 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Following the injury, he missed three straight games against the Miami Heat (Monday), Orlando Magic (Wednesday), and the Houston Rockets (Friday).

Despite Embiid’s absence, the team has continued its dominant ways, winning the last two games. However, a recent injury update might be a cause for concern for the Sixers faithful.

The reason behind Joel Embiid’s absence for several upcoming games

Embiid has not played since December 22 when he landed on Jakob Poeltl’s foot while blocking a shot with less than six minutes left on the clock in the first quarter. However, he played through the injury, pouring in 31 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and four blocks as the 76ers went on to win the game. According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Embiid has been working out and getting treatments at the Sixers training facility in Camden. He will miss his fourth consecutive game against the Chicago Bulls tonight and is expected to make a comeback after the Sixers return from the four-game road trip, i.e., against the Bulls on Tuesday, January 3rd.

Coach Nick Nurse said before Friday’s game against the Rockets, “He’s still a little sore. But he was on the court again today. Just trying to make sure that he’s a little bit better before we bring him back. He won’t make the trip, now. But we hope that he’ll be ready for the next one.”

Tyrese Maxey helps the 76ers stay afloat in Embiid’s absence

Joel Embiid’s injury has not had a severe impact on the team, thanks to Tyrese Maxey. He contributed 23 points to lead the 76ers to a road win against the Orlando Magic, cementing his position as the second piece of the puzzle alongside Embiid. His next performance in Embiid’s absence was even more convincing, as he mustered up a solid 42 points to help the Embiid-less 76ers to a 131-127 victory on Friday night against the Rockets.

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The Sixers are sitting pretty comfortably in third place in the East, with 22 wins and only nine losses. One of the main reasons for this early season success is the breakout performances by the 23-year-old. Maxey is one of the three players to score at least 25.8 points per game and record 6.6 assists per game, including Nikola Jokić, and Luka Dončić. His emergence has given the 76ers franchise another legitimate cornerstone – one they have been looking for since James Harden’s departure.

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