Overview

• Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers' star center and reigning MVP, has been diagnosed with a lateral meniscus injury in his left knee, casting doubt on his return timeline.
• The injury has sparked a debate over the NBA's new rule requiring players to participate in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for awards, potentially affecting Embiid's MVP chances.
• LeBron James publicly defends Embiid, criticizing the media for their lack of accountability and demanding apologies for questioning Embiid's injury prior to the diagnosis.
• The 76ers face a challenging path ahead, with a record of 3-9 without Embiid this season, as they navigate the Eastern Conference and aim for a deep playoff run.
• Embiid's absence also raises questions about the 76ers' trade deadline strategy and their ability to maintain a competitive edge in the highly contested Eastern Conference.