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Joel Embiid, the star center of the Philadelphia 76ers, has been facing a series of challenges due to knee issues. His absence from key games has had a significant impact on the team's performance this season.

The 76ers Struggle Amidst Embiid and George's Injuries

Preseason and Early Season Struggles

Embiid's left knee troubles began during the preseason and continued into the regular season. He only managed to play in four games out of the team's initial 15, with the 76ers starting the season with a 3-12 record. This was largely attributed to his recovery process and the setbacks he faced.In those four games, he averaged 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. However, his performance in Wednesday's 117-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies was particularly notable, as he scored 35 points with 11 rebounds.

Injury Setbacks and Suspensions

The 76ers faced further setbacks when Paul George suffered another hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee, keeping him out of two games. Embiid also served a three-game suspension after shoving a reporter in a postgame locker room confrontation.This meant that the team's "big three" of Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey only played together once this season in Wednesday's game. But just two days later, two of them were out of the lineup again.

Team Meeting and Internal Struggles

Following Monday's loss to the Miami Heat, where the 76ers blew a 19-point lead and Embiid shot no free throws for the first time in seven years, the team held a meeting to address its poor play. Maxey reportedly called out Embiid for being late to team activities, while Embiid expressed confusion about the offense.Embiid later criticized the leak of the team meeting details, stating, "Whoever leaked that is a real piece of s***." George agreed that the conversation should not have been leaked to reporters.

Impact on the Team's Future

With Embiid and George both out of the lineup, the 76ers' chances of turning their fortunes around seem slim. Maxey also missed six games with a strained right hamstring. The team's health issues indicate that it will take some time before they can start to improve.The 76ers were expected to be a challenger in the Eastern Conference, but their injury woes and poor chemistry have left them as one of the season's most disappointing teams. As they await updates on Embiid and George's statuses, the team will need to find a way to stay competitive without their key players.