Sixers’ Joel Embiid suffered a sinus fracture during Pacers loss after being struck in the face
Embiid was trying to make a defensive play 12 seconds before halftime of a 121-107 loss to Indiana. He did not return to the game and will undergo further evaluation this weekend.
Joel Embiid left Friday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers after being struck on the right side of the face underneath the basket.
The 76ers’ center suffered a sinus fracture while trying to make a defensive play 12 seconds before halftime. Embiid fell to court and remained there until the Sixers called timeout with 6.1 seconds remaining. Embiid, who did not return, will undergo further evaluation this weekend.
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This was Embiid’s second game back after missing seven games with left knee swelling and personal reasons. The 2023 NBA MVP has missed 17 games this season due to left knee management, knee swelling, personal reasons, and a three-game suspension.
Embiid had 12 points on 4-for-9 shooting to go along with four rebounds and five assists before going down with the injury.
After Embiid was ruled out, Sixers rookie Jared McCain had an injury scare. The rookie guard briefly left the game at the 5:24 mark of the third quarter after he hit in the back of his head on the ground while being fouled.
McCain lost his balance and needed help from teammate Paul George while walking to the free throw line. McCain went to the locker room for further evaluation, but cleared concussion protocol and returned to the floor with 2:04 left in the quarter.