NBA report: Joel Embiid to miss rest of season; Kevin Durant’s status unclear

Philadelphia center Joel Embiid’s season is over because of left knee problems, including a torn meniscus that is worse than the team first thought.

The 76ers made the announcement Wednesday, hours before the team’s game against the Miami Heat. Embiid missed his first two NBA seasons with right foot issues, then finally made his debut this season and appeared in 31 games with the 76ers.

Kevin Durant is down for the immediate future because of a knee injury, and that’s a huge blow on both ends of the floor for the playoff-bound, championship-chasing Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry and Co. are going to have to carry on without KD perhaps for the remainder of the regular season — and maybe longer.

Durant will be out indefinitely after he sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee and bruised a bone in his leg during Tuesday night’s loss at Washington, leaving the Warriors without their shot-blocking big man who also does it all on offense.

Embiid hadn’t played since Jan. 27, and the 76ers had said in recent days that he could be back as early as this week. But an MRI exam performed on Monday showed the meniscus problem was apparently worse than first thought, and the 76ers made the decision to end his season.

“The area affected by the bone bruise has improved significantly, while the previously identified meniscus tear appears more pronounced in this most recent scan,� said Sixers Chief Medical Director Jonathan Glashow. “We will continue to work with leading specialists to gather additional information through clinical examination and sequential testing to determine the best course of action and next steps.�

Embiid averaged 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds this season, and even though this was his third year since getting drafted he was considered as a strong rookie of the year candidate.

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 draft still could win the award, given how dominant he looked at times this season.

The 76ers were cautious with Embiid, never playing him more than 30 minutes in a game — yet he still had a penchant for big numbers. He scored at least 20 points in 19 of his 31 appearances, had nine double-doubles, blocked at least three shots 12 times and even was a 37% shooter from three-point range.

And now, another setback. “Our primary objective and focus remains to protect his long-term health and ability to perform on the basketball court,� 76ers President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo said.

As for the Warriors, the NBA’s top team will push toward the playoffs without its leading scorer and rebounder. For the month of March, at least.

The Warriors said Wednesday that their medical staff hasn’t ruled out a Durant return before the end of the regular season, though nobody is predicting at this stage.

Etc.

The Cavaliers have opened up a roster spot for free agent Andrew Bogut by waiving guard Jordan McRae. Bogut is expected to clear waivers on Wednesday and the 7-foot center’s agent tells the Associated Press that he intends to sign with the defending NBA champions. Bogut, who gives Cleveland a needed rim protector and backup for Tristan Thompson, will join the Cavaliers later this week. His addition comes two days after the Cavaliers signed veteran point guard Deron Williams, a former All-Star who gives the team depth, experience and another playmaker. … The Oklahoma City Thunder signed guard Norris Cole to help fill the void after trading backup point guard Cameron Payne to the Chicago Bulls. The Thunder made the announcement Wednesday. Cole should challenge for Semaj Christon’s No. 2 point guard spot.