Embiid needs surgery for orbital fracture, could reportedly return in 2-4 weeks

With the start of the NBA playoffs just around the corner, the Philadelphia 76ers - who will be making their first appearance since 2012 - are in jeopardy of not having their All-Star center available.

Joel Embiid has been placed in the NBA's concussion protocol after experiencing symptoms following Wednesday's 118-101 victory over the New York Knicks, the team announced Thursday. He exited the game at the 11:50 mark of the second quarter after smacking heads with teammate Markelle Fultz, who walked away unscathed.

A CT scan revealed Embiid suffered an orbital fracture of his left eye, which will require surgery. He was initially diagnosed with a facial bruise, passing the NBA's locker room concussion assessment tool at the time.

The Sixers didn't provide a timetable for his return, although a league source told ESPN's Zach Lowe that Embiid could return to action in two-to-four weeks.

After missing the first two seasons of his career due to injury, the 24-year-old big man has managed to suit up for 63 of a possible 74 games for the 44-30 Sixers in 2017-18.

Embiid is averaging 22.9 points, 11 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks in 30.3 minutes per game. Philadelphia owns a 3-8 record when he doesn't play.