Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid suffered an orbital fracture that will require surgery, and he also has a concussion, the Sixers said Thursday.
Surgery to address the orbital fracture in his left eye will be performed in the coming days, the team said.
ESPN's Zach Lowe reported that, pending the results of the surgery, Embiid could return in two to four weeks. The 76ers have clinched a spot in the playoffs, which begin April 14.
Embiid took to Twitter later Thursday to reassure supporters he's already set his sights on returning to action.
I guess I gotta trust "The Process" that I've been preaching... Unfortunate freak accident but I'll be more than fine. Injuries jokes coming in 3,2,1 #TheProcess #Two-Face pic.twitter.com/6Q2wXaOC6C
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) March 30, 2018
Embiid suffered the injuries Wednesday night in a nasty collision with teammate Markelle Fultz during the Sixers' 118-101 win over the New York Knicks.
He was initially evaluated in the locker room and later taken to Jefferson Hospital for further evaluation and testing.
Immediately following the injury, Embiid passed the NBA's locker room concussion assessment tool. However, he later began experiencing symptoms. He has been put in the NBA's concussion protocol.
Embiid was released from the hospital Thursday but will not travel with the team to Atlanta for Friday's game against the Hawks, the Sixers said.
Fultz was driving toward the basket 20 seconds into the second quarter when he collided with Embiid, who immediately went to the floor.
Embiid remained on the floor before finally being assisted by Philadelphia's trainer. Fultz was not injured on the play.
