Part of the team's struggles stem from the lack of availability from former MVP Joel Embiid, who has played just 18 of the 55 games this season. Embiid had meniscus surgery on his left knee last February and returned to the court in April, but he missed the first nine games of this season due to management of the same knee.

Sixers center Joel Embiid admitted Thursday night that his ailing left knee will have to be "fixed" if he wants to return to his usual level of play.

Joel Embiid finished the loss with 15 points, three rebounds and four assists while shooting 3/9 from the field and 0/2 from the three-point range in 27 minutes of playing time. After the game, the 2023 MVP was honest when he met with the media (h/t Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports).