Philadelphia 76ers

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will undergo a procedure in the next few days. He's expected to be sidelined for an "extended period of time." The reigning MVP appeared well on his way to capturing another, averaging a career-high 35.3 points with 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals. Unfortunately, he's been battling a meniscus injury, which is a tough blow for fantasy managers. It's also not good news for Philadelphia, a team that's lost 10 of 14 games without Embiid on the floor during the 2023-24 campaign. Per Wojnarowski, "the door isn't closed on an Embiid return this season." However, the medical staff will better understand his prognosis after the procedure. Of course, without Embiid in the lineup, Tyrese Maxey is expected to see a surge in scoring chances. It should also open up for minutes for Paul Reed, who has averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 12 starts this year.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) should be considered out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a torn meniscus. This is a huge blow to both the Sixers and fantasy managers. The organization has not given a timetable for Embiid's return, but the expectation is that the reigning MVP will be sidelined for the foreseeable future. Paul Reed and Mo Bamba are expected to split up the playing time at the center spot. Reed is a must-have player while Embiid is out. Fantasy managers should immediately jump on the waiver wire in search of Reed. The assumption is that the Sixers will be actively seeking a big man at the trade deadline. Fantasy managers will have to check back for an update on Embiid's timetable.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (groin) isn't listed on the league's injury report ahead of Friday's game versus Detroit. The veteran has been battling a groin injury, although it finally kept him out of the lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Washington Wizards. As expected, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden were more involved offensively. Although George's presence should mean fewer scoring chances for Leonard and Harden on Friday night, both should remain starting in all fantasy lineups. On the other hand, Amir Coffey and Brandon Boston Jr., combining for 29 points against Washington, shouldn't be as impactful with George back in the lineup.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz. Maxey has missed each of the last three games due to a left ankle sprain. Patrick Beverley has been starting lately and that will likely continue to happen if Maxey misses another game. Beverley posted a double-double during his first start in Maxey's absence. However, Beverley has been average since then but still carries some streaming appeal if Maxey sits out on Thursday.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is out for Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz and will receive further evaluation on his left knee in the next 24 hours. Embiid was scheduled to go for an MRI on Wednesday, and while it sounds like we'll have to wait a little while longer for the extent of the setback to his already-injured left knee, Philly has ruled out the 29-year-old MVP candidate well in advance of Thursday's action. With that said, Embiid can only miss four more games after Thursday to be eligible for the MVP award based on the NBA's new rules. BBall Paul Reed will hold down the fort at the five for the Sixers in the meantime, averaging 12.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals in 12 games without Embiid this year and is close to a must-roster in fantasy.