Joel Embiid is habitually injured, habitually unavailable and habitually out of shape Joel Embiid. And the Knicks tried to trade for him.

Fresh off earning one of the brightest decorations of his NBA career to date, New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns appears to have already shifted his focu

Nov 12, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) controls the ball against New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Counting last year's two big individual performances, this date has been a day when larger-than-life moments happen in the NBA.

The 7-footer is averaging 25.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game — second-most in the NBA — in 38 appearances.

Less than two years removed from winning MVP, Joel Embiid has struggled to stay on the floor consistently for the Philadelphia 76ers.

It starts with Joel Embiid and Paul George, who have missed several games this season due to various injuries. Their status for Wednesday's game is uncertain. The Knicks' two stars are also on the injury report, but you can bet they'll do everything they can to take the floor at Wells Fargo Center.

Meanwhile, Andre Drummond (left toe sprain), Caleb Martin (right groin soreness), Kyle Lowry (right hip sprain), KJ Martin (left foot stress reaction) and Jared McCain (left knee surgery) will remain sidelined. McCain will miss the remainder of the season.

Embiid’s played in just total 13 games thus far for the Sixers, who entered Wednesday 11th in the Eastern Conference standings at 15-23. He’s been sidelined by everything from troubles with his left knee and foot to a sinus fracture that’s led him to wear a protective mask in games since Dec. 20.

PHILADELPHIA — The word became official about 90 minutes before game time, but was predictable nearly 48 hours earlier that Karl-Anthony Towns would be out of action Wednesday night as the Knicks took on the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center.

In the second half, the Sixers showed signs of the team they were supposed to be without Joel Embiid. But their dreadful first half sunk them to 15-24.

Once upon a time, the New York Knicks were interested in trading for Joel Embiid. Luckily, a deal never happened.