The Philadelphia 76ers’ nightmare season just got even more nightmarish.

Rookie guard Jared McCain, a leading candidate for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award, is out indefinitely with a torn meniscus in his left knee, the team announced Saturday.

McCain reported knee pain after Friday night’s loss to the Indiana Pacers. He had already survived a fall in the second half that left him briefly suffering a concussion. McCain is expected to undergo knee surgery. A more precise schedule will likely be announced after that.

In what had been a turbulent time, McCain’s appearance had been a bright spot. He leads NBA rookies with 15.3 points per game, putting him in position to play a pivotal role in Philly’s future.

The Sixers didn’t manage to get lucky. Striker Paul George had two bone bruises on the same knee. Star center Joel Embiid struggled with persistent knee problems throughout the season, which led to him being on and off the roster. Embiid suffered a facial sinus fracture after suffering an elbow injury Friday night.

The Sixers will likely turn to veteran Eric Gordon to take on more responsibility after McCain’s emergence left Gordon out of the rotation.

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(Photo: Bill Streicher / Imagn Images)