When that happened, Joel Embiid was only back from a serious knee ailment in the second game.

That’s Bennedict Mathurin of the Pacers randomly hitting Embiid in the face on the rebound and putback. Embiid went to the ground and shortly afterwards went straight to the locker room. He will not return to the game and will undergo further testing, the 76ers announced.

This was the sixth game Embiid has played in this season. He previously missed time due to “treating a left knee injury.” Embiid has averaged 22 points and 8.4 rebounds per game this season, including 31 against the Bulls five days ago.

Philly’s big three, Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, have only played two games together. The theory that a three-star pair could pick up the slack if one were to drop out hasn’t panned out. The 76ers are 7-15, and if the postseason started today, they wouldn’t even make the play-in.

If Embiid has to miss any more time, it will only add to their woes.