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.

Embiid has experienced some swelling in his left knee after a workout he had on Thursday and he will be re-evaluated in 7-to-10 days which means he will also miss the Jan. 24 matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. One has to wonder if he will return on Jan. 25 against the Chicago Bulls, but that remains to be seen.

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.