The Sixers’ Big 3 made their home debut on Friday. Just like the first time they all finally played together, it was short-lived.

Joel Embiid had to leave the game against the Pacers after he was hit in the face by Indiana Pacers’ Benedict Mathurin while fighting for a rebound. The Sixers shut him out with a hit to the right side of his face. He will undergo further tests.

In the final seconds of the first half, Embiid attempts a rebound after a missed runner by Tyrese Haliburton. Mathurin dives for the rebound and accidentally catches Embiid on the right side of his side. Embiid remained on the floor for several minutes before heading to the locker room.

Any type of facial injury is scary, but especially for Embiid. The former MVP has suffered multiple orbital bone fractures in his career. The first occurred as a result of friendly fire when he caught an elbow from then-teammate Markelle Fultz in 2018. The other was younger when then-Raptor and current Pacer Pascal Siakam elbowed him in the face as the Sixers beat Toronto in a blowout fashion in 2022.

As if that wasn’t enough, standout rookie Jared McCain also had to leave the game. In the third quarter, he drove hard to the basket and was fouled by Andrew Nembhard. McCain’s head hit the ground and it took him a minute or two to get back up. As he stood up, he stumbled and had to be supported by Paul George.

The referees pulled McCain from the game and Ricky Council IV came in to make the free throws.

Somewhat surprisingly, McCain returned to the game at the end of the third period.

We’ll keep you updated if there are any further updates.