Sixers’ Joel Embiid searching for answers while controlling knee injury that ‘just keeps going to happen’

Joel Embiid had plenty to talk about Tuesday night after leading the 76s to a victory of 118-116 over Dallas Mavericks in Wells Fargo Center, including his injuries, improvement and mental state.

2023 NBA MVP and seven-time All-Star had 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in 36 minutes, 1 seconds in his first match back since January 4th. But EMBIID’s dominant performance was not discussed until the end of his post -game media -accessibility lasting more than 10 minutes.

He spent most of the time opening up the challenges he had to overcome while playing on only 14 games this season. A cycle that continues as he misses his 36th game due to injuries, load management and a three-game-pension when the Sixers hosts Miami Heat on Wednesday night.

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Embiid’s most annoying problem has been swelling in his left knee, which continues close to a year after he had meniscus surgery on February 6, 2024.

So how hard a mental challenge has this season been for the franchisee?

“Extremely,” he said. “But you had to try to find a positive and keep it. It’s not much, but leans on these positive things. Support, family that can keep you going, keep you motivated, but it’s tough.

“I try to control it, try to find a solution, and it just continues to happen. So hopefully, this time it will run for good. “

Embiid said he felt good against Mavs (26-25). And he looked good from the start and made his first three baskets on the way to finish with seven points and two assists in the first quarter. EMBIID ended the game by scoring Sixers’ last five points, grabbing a clutch defensive rebound and making a defensive stop on the last possession.

But he was well rested after missing the previous 15 games. The true test will be how his knee reacts after playing in a series of games.

The 30-year-old missed the entire forth season and the first nine regular seasonal matches due to knee management and a three-game pension. When he returned, he played four games over nine days before being sidelined for the next seven games.

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Embiid returned to play in nine of 12 games. Two of his misses were on the second night with back-to-backs. The third miss was because of a real sinus fracture. But after completing 28 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in three quarters of action in January 4 against Brooklyn Nets, he was sidelined this month.

Sixers said Embiid initially dealt with a sprained left foot before missing the remaining time due to swelling of the knee.

“I’m doing well,” Embiid said. “But it can be unpredictable and until I get … I haven’t really had time for really, and hope for the best. “

After Wednesday’s game, Sixers has a two-game road trip against Detroit Piston’s (Friday) and Milwaukee Bucks (Sunday). Then they play a home-and-away back-to-back against Toronto Raptors (Tuesday) and Nets (next Wednesday) before entering the All-Star break.

After the break, Sixers will have 28 games in regular season back.

Embiid said his goal is to play in every game that goes on.

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But …

“Whatever God decides from that time, I can’t control it,” Embiid said. “I can only control what I do every single day, and that is to focus on what keeps me on the floor and what happens is happening.

“I don’t really worry about how many games to play and how much I want to be available. The goal is to be available every single night and if God wants it to happen well. If he doesn’t, back to the drawing board. “