Philadelphia 76ers’ center Joel Embiid was absent from the team’s Saturday night matchup against the Utah Jazz due to swelling in his left knee. This marks the eighth game Embiid has missed this season, raising concerns as the new collective bargaining agreement stipulates that players must participate in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for accolades like MVP or All-NBA team honors.

The reigning NBA MVP and two-time scoring champion sustained an injury in Friday’s game against the New York Knicks, playing only two games since recovering from a sprained right ankle that sidelined him for four consecutive matches. Despite his recent setbacks, Embiid showcased his dominance against the Knicks, extending his franchise records to 16 consecutive 30-point games and achieving 15 consecutive games with 30 points and 10 rebounds.

Adding to the Sixers’ challenges, Tobias Harris will also be unavailable against the Jazz due to an ankle injury suffered in the Knicks’ game. In addition to Harris, the team is missing De’Anthony Melton (lumbar spine soreness) and Robert Covington (illness).