Embiid diagnosed with concussion, orbital fracture

By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly editor 

When Joel Embiid and Markelle Fultz knocked heads during the second quarter of Wednesday night's game against the New York Knicks Sixers fans collectively held their breathe as Embiid laid in agony on the hardwood before Sixers trainers came to his aide. 

Embiid was initially said to not have a concussion and a negative x-ray before being sent to the hospital for precautionary testing with what was diagnosed as a facial contusion. 

Embiid was released from the hospital on Thursday morning and sent to his home. At this time reports from various members of the media stated that a concussion and orbital fracture was not out of the question. 

The Sixers provided an official update on Embiid's status on Thursday night:

Joel Embiid update: pic.twitter.com/PEgYZYq3fh

— x – Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 29, 2018

The Sixers report that Embiid did not show symptoms of a concussion after being removed from Wednesday's game and passed the NBA's baseline testing, but he began showing symptoms later in the night. A CT scan revealed an orbital fracture near the All Star center's left eye. 

Embiid is currently in the NBA's concussion protocol. Embiid will undergo surgery in the coming days to repair the orbital fracture.

Embiid is not joining the Sixers on their two-game road trip and there is currently no timetable on Embiid's return.