76ers' Joel Embiid: Ruled out indefinitely with left knee injury

Embiid is experiencing some swelling in his left knee and has been ruled out indefinitely, Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News reports.

Analysis:

Even though Embiid was able to practice last week, the 76ers had ruled him out for the first four games out of the All-Star break while he continued to deal with a bone bruise in his left knee, along with a slight tear of his meniscus. However, it now looks like the center could be at risk of missing the rest of the season, as the swelling in Embiid's knee was problematic enough for the 76ers to send him in for an MRI on Monday. The team should have a more specific timetable for Embiid's return once the MRI results are read, but given the 76ers' place in the standings along with how important the big man is to their long-term plans, shutting him down for the season is a real possibility. With Embiid out indefinitely, Nerlens Noel now with the Mavericks and newly acquired centers Tiago Splitter (calf, hip) and Andrew Bogut (personal) seemingly having no future with the team, Jahlil Okafor should be in store for a long-term run as the 76ers' starting center. Richaun Holmes will also pick up regular playing time as Okafor's main backup.