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.

The news arrived after Embiid missed the previous six games because of a sprained left foot. The seven-time All-Star has only played 13 games this season because of the sprained foot, knee swelling, left knee management, a right sinus fracture, and a three-game suspension.