The Sixers announced on Jan. 17 that Embiid, who had missed the prior six games with a left foot sprain, was now experiencing swelling in his left knee and would be re-evaluated in approximately 7-10 days.

Winning league MVP in 2023, Embiid followed that campaign by playing just 39 games the next season. Having already missed 31 games entering Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Embiid is ineligible for season awards due to the league's 65-game minimum rule.