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Joel Embiid's tough season took another turn for the worse on Friday as Philadelphia's star centre exited early in the 76ers' 121-107 NBA loss to Indiana after being struck in the face. The Cameroon-born big man, who won Olympic gold with the United States in Paris this year, was fighting for a rebound under the Pacers' basket when he was inadvertently elbowed.
Embiid had 12 points with four rebounds and five assists before departing moments before halftime. Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse said immediately after the game that Embiid was undergoing tests to check for facial fractures. (Update: Embiid was diagnosed with a sinus fracture.) Embiid was playing just his second game back after missing seven contests.
He has played just six games this season as he battled a troublesome left knee and served a three-game suspension for an altercation with a journalist. The Pacers, fueled by 32 points and 11 assists from Tyrese Haliburton, led most of the way. Pascal Siakam added 23 points and eight rebounds and Obi Toppin chipped in 20 points off the bench for Indiana.
Tyrese Maxey scored 22 points to lead Philadelphia, who also saw rookie Jared McCain take a scary hit to the back of the head. McCain needed help from teammate Paul George to get to the free throw line before he exited, but he cleared concussion protocol and returned to the game.
