(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler / NBAE via Getty Images)
Through Michael lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Contributor 
ESPN’s Ramon Shelburne reports that Joel Embiid is suffering from a “minor” knee injury he sustained in the season opener against New Orleans. Embiid collided with Jonas Valanciunas in this match and was unable to walk for two days according to the report.
.@ramonashelburne on Joel Embiid playing through injuries (via NBA Today).
“He told me after that game in New Orleans he couldn’t walk for two days.” ??
(via NBA Today) pic.twitter.com/yuq6fdbfDN
– ESPN (@espn) October 27, 2021
Embiid, who has played three games since the crash, told reporters he “probably shouldn’t have played” against Brooklyn but wanted to be there for his teammates in Ben Simmons’ absence. The All-Star was originally “questionable” for this game.
Kudos to Embiid for his team’s attitude, but if the Sixers are to have a shot at running, he needs to deal with the knee issues immediately. Embiid struggled with a ripped meniscus last year in the playoffs and it affected his efficiency.
Embiid has never had surgery on the torn meniscus, an orthoscopic procedure with a recovery time of six to eight weeks. It would have been ideal to treat this injury, which can persist without surgery, during the offseason.
