In a pivotal moment for the Philadelphia 76ers, star center Joel Embiid is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his troublesome left knee next week, according to a team official. The hope is that this procedure will enable him to reclaim his form and help steer the team back into contention.

Embiid's recovery will be assessed in six weeks, with optimism surrounding a full return to health. The 76ers and Embiid have faced a grueling roster of knee issues over the past year, which drastically affected his performance and led to him being sidelined at the end of last season. The decision for surgery follows extensive consultations with medical experts, aiming to restore Embiid to the elite level he showcased during his MVP-winning performance in the 2022-23 season.

In February, just before being shut down for the season, Embiid expressed his frustrations, stating, "The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I'm playing right now. It sucks... I probably need to fix the problem, and then I'll be back at that level." This echoes the sentiments felt by both fans and the organization, as they eagerly await his return to form.

This season, Embiid averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over just 19 games, showing a stark contrast to his previous two seasons where he dominated offensively and defensively. Unfortunately, a series of injuries, including one where the Golden State Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga inadvertently fell on his leg in January, interrupted his campaign to potentially become the second player in NBA history to average more points than minutes played.

Last spring, after a knee surgery that followed a similar pattern of issues, Embiid rebounded in time for the playoffs, putting up impressive numbers—33 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game—despite the 76ers' first-round exit against the New York Knicks. His international play with Team USA at the Paris Olympics was also impacted, underscoring how his knee problems have affected his entire season and others.

The 76ers' struggles aren't limited to Embiid alone. Key acquisitions like Paul George have faltered, leading to disappointing averages of 16.2 points and 4.3 assists. Star guard Tyrese Maxey also faced a tough season with career-low shooting percentages, exacerbating the disappointment felt across the roster. Rookie standout Jared McCain found his season cut short due to a torn meniscus, further highlighting the injury woes plaguing Philadelphia.

As the 76ers brace themselves for the upcoming NBA Draft, they are holding onto hope that the losses this season will secure them a top-six pick, which is protected from transfer to the Oklahoma City Thunder under a previous trade agreement. Presently, the team is struggling, facing a monumental nine-game losing streak and a bleak record of 15 losses in their last 17 games, sitting uncomfortably in fifth place in the lottery standings. This places them in a position where their chances of retaining their draft pick are roughly 65%.

With the prospects of adding promising young talent through the draft and the hope that injured players return next season, the 76ers and their fans are watching closely as Embiid prepares for surgery. The question remains: will this unexpected turn of events be the spark that revitalizes a beleaguered franchise? The clock is ticking, and only time will tell if the 76ers can rise again in the fiercely competitive Eastern Conference.