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Fact check: Joel Embiid needs surgery
1. Summary of the results
The situation regarding Joel Embiid's knee injury is more complex than a simple "needs surgery" statement. While Embiid himself has publicly acknowledged he "probably needs" surgery to fix his knee problems [1] [1], there are conflicting professional opinions. The injury has been specifically identified as a "displaced flap of the meniscus" in his left knee [2], and he has already undergone a procedure on February 6, 2025, with a planned re-evaluation in four weeks [3].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
Several crucial pieces of context are missing from the original statement:
- Current Performance Impact: Embiid's scoring average has dramatically dropped from 34.7 to 24.3 points per game [1], and he has only played in 18 of 55 games this season [1].
- Treatment Options: There are two potential surgical approaches being considered:
- Meniscus repair (4-6 months recovery)
- Partial meniscectomy (4-6 weeks recovery) [3]
- Team's Position: The 76ers' medical team, after consulting with multiple doctors, believes surgery might not be immediately necessary if pain and swelling can be managed effectively [4].
- MVP Implications: The injury and potential surgery could affect Embiid's MVP eligibility due to the NBA's 65-game minimum rule [5].
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original statement oversimplifies a complex medical situation where multiple stakeholders have different interests:
- Player's Perspective: Embiid has described this as "the most difficult thing he's ever had to go through" [6], suggesting he may be advocating for a more permanent solution through surgery.
- Team's Interests: The 76ers have financial and competitive interests in keeping their star player available, which might influence their preference for conservative treatment [4].
- Medical Experts: While some medical experts, like Dr. Brian Sutterer, suggest surgery is likely necessary given the "displaced flap" diagnosis [2], the team has consulted multiple doctors with varying opinions [4].
The situation remains fluid, with the team currently evaluating treatment options while Embiid remains sidelined [5].