Joel Embiid's ongoing knee issues should alter the Sixers' strategy heading into the NBA trade deadline, as they now have far less incentive to make a win-now move.

Embiid, the 2022-23 NBA MVP, has played in just 13 games this season, missing time with knee, foot and sinus injuries. He was sidelined for Philadelphia’s first nine games, sat out seven consecutive games in late November and early December and has been sidelined for the past six games.

The news arrived after Embiid missed the previous six games because of a sprained left foot. The seven-time All-Star has only played 13 games this season because of the sprained foot, knee swelling, left knee management, a right sinus fracture, and a three-game suspension.