Sixers' Joel Embiid now out indefinitely due to injured left knee

So much for Friday's expected return against the New York Knicks.

The 76ers announced Monday that Joel Embiid will be sidelined indefinitely due to his left knee injury.  With 24 games remaining, it looks like the rookie center might not play again this season.

He still experiences swelling and soreness in the knee following practices. The center will have an MRI Monday afternoon.

Embiid has missed 13 consecutive games and 16 out of 17 after suffering a bone bruise Jan. 20. An MRI exam revealed that he also has a slightly torn meniscus. He was expected to return Friday against the Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center.

"The luck he's had with injuries, you have to feel really bad for him," point guard T.J. McConnell said of Embiid remaining sidelined. "But his health is most important. I would rather him get healthy and be able to play and try to risk it more."

Embiid has already missed 27 games this season due to rest and/or injuries. This comes after the third-overall pick of the 2014 draft was missed the previous two season with corrective surgeries to the navicular bone in his right foot.

Fearful of putting too much stress on his foot, the Sixers formulated the plan to not play him on back-to-backs. And when he did play, the Sixers restricted his minutes.

"Considering all of the work that Joe has put in, and how much time and effort he's put into it," swingman Robert Covington said, "for him, this is another test of patience.  ... It's a hit, but it's another test of adversity."

Embiid is averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 2.1 assists.

Follow and contact 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers.