Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is considering surgery for a displaced flap in the meniscus of his left knee, according to a report by The Athletic's Shams Charania and Joe Vardon. Embiid, his doctors, and the 76ers are exploring their options on how to address the injury, with rest and rehabilitation also being considered.

A displaced flap is a tear in the meniscus that would require surgery, resulting in an extended absence for Embiid. However, the 76ers have not confirmed the report, and a decision on the best course of action is expected by Monday.

This news comes after the 76ers announced last Thursday that Embiid would be sidelined for at least the weekend due to a meniscus injury. The star player had previously missed games against the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers, citing knee soreness. He returned to the court against the Golden State Warriors, only to miss the following game against the Utah Jazz upon the diagnosis of the meniscus injury.

According to sources, Embiid has been grappling with knee soreness for a significant portion of the season. This development is a major setback for both Embiid and the 76ers, as the center had been seen as a frontrunner for the NBA MVP award, alongside Nikola Jokić. Embiid won the award last season, and any extended absence could jeopardize his chances of winning it again this year.

In order to be eligible for major individual awards, including MVP, players must participate in a minimum of 65 regular-season games under the NBA's current rules. Embiid has already missed 13 games, leaving him with a maximum of only four more games he can sit out before losing eligibility.

Despite his injury, Embiid has been putting up exceptional numbers this season, averaging a career-high and NBA-leading 35.3 points per game, along with 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.8 blocks. He has also been shooting 53.3% from the field and 36.6% from beyond the arc. Embiid's outstanding performance earned him a spot as a starter in the upcoming All-Star game, but if he is unable to participate, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will have to select a replacement.

The 76ers, currently holding a 30-17 record, sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They are trailing the Boston Celtics, who lead the standings by six games, with the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers also ahead of them.

The final decision on whether Joel Embiid will opt for surgery or choose rest and rehabilitation will have significant implications for both the player and the 76ers as they navigate their path forward in the competitive Eastern Conference.