INDIANAPOLIS -- The Philadelphia 76ers have had to battle through most of the season without their superstar big man, Joel Embiid, and it has caused them to fall short in a season filled with high expectations.

Joel Embiid's ongoing knee issues should alter the Sixers' strategy heading into the NBA trade deadline, as they now have far less incentive to make a win-now move.

Embiid, the 2022-23 NBA MVP, has played in just 13 games this season, missing time with knee, foot and sinus injuries. He was sidelined for Philadelphia’s first nine games, sat out seven consecutive games in late November and early December and has been sidelined for the past six games.