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Joel Embiid’s MRI reveals bone bruise, no structural damage to Sixers All-Star’s left knee

Embiid is expected to miss at least two weeks with his injury. If so, that could sideline him for at least seven or eight games.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) grabs his knee after he was injured during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Friday, March 12, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass).
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) grabs his knee after he was injured during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Friday, March 12, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass).Read moreNick Wass / AP

WASHINGTON — Joel Embiid and the 76ers are fortunate, because his left knee injury could be much worse.

Embiid’s MRI on Saturday morning revealed that the four-time NBA All-Star has no structural damage to his knee. Embiid is expected to miss at least two weeks with his injury. That’s when he’ll be re-evaluated. As a result, that will sideline him for at least seven or eight games.

However, Embiid’s meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament are fine.

He suffered this injury during Friday night’s 127-101 victory over the Washington Wizards at the Capital One Arena.

He landed awkwardly after dunking the ball with 6 minutes, 27 seconds left in the third quarter. His knee bent back, obviously in the wrong direction, as he hyperextended it.

» READ MORE: Joel Embiid suffers game-ending left knee injury as Sixers rout Washington Wizards, 127-101

After falling to the ground, grabbing his left knee while in obvious pain, Embiid was on the court for over a minute as his teammates rushed to his aid. They even requested a stretcher for their fallen comrade. However, he was able to limp off the court, with some assistance, and into the locker room without the stretcher.

Embiid had 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks in 20 minutes, 24 seconds of action.

This was Embiid’s first game back after missing Sunday’s All-Star Game and Thursday’s 127-105 road victory over the Chicago Bulls while in the NBA’s health and safety protocol. Embiid was forced to self-isolate after coming in contact with a barber who tested positive for COVID-19. Embiid had to quarantine for seven days following the last exposure to the barber.