The Sixers' new, much-hyped starting five will be down a key member coming out of the All-Star break.
Joel Embiid will be out at least a week with left knee soreness, the team announced Wednesday.
He had an MRI that revealed no structural damage and will undergo treatment involving load management and physical therapy before being re-evaluated.
Embiid, who started his second straight All-Star game, is averaging 27.3 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Head coach Brett Brown still considers him the Sixers' "crown jewel."
With the playoffs in mind, you can understand the team's caution with Embiid.
The Sixers' first game after the All-Star break is Thursday vs. the Heat, with four games scheduled over the next eight days.
There were two other notable inclusions on the Sixers' medical report:
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Furkan Korkmaz suffered a tear of the meniscus in his right knee during the Sixers' game against the Celtics on Feb. 12. He is currently being assessed and there is no timetable for his return yet.
Rookie Zhaire Smith was a partial participant in the Sixers' practice Wednesday. He'll return Thursday to practice with the Blue Coats as he continues to rehab following a Jones fracture in his left foot in August and subsequent medical complications stemming from an allergic reaction. General manager Elton Brand has said he expects Smith to return to play this season.
