Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks to drive past New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the first quarter during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: 76ers' Joel Embiid injures leg after incredible dunk

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 4/20/24

Joel Embiid's health has been a constant concern for the Philadelphia 76ers throughout his career, and they got another scare on Saturday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference playoff series against the New York Knicks.

Embiid had to leave the game late in the second quarter with an apparent leg injury but returned to start the second half.

He not only had to leave the game but how it happened is truly unbelievable for the 76ers and their fans.

Embiid lobbed a pass to himself off the backboard, and in one smooth motion threw down a thunderous one-handed dunk. It is the type of play that makes career highlight reels. But as he hit the ground and started to turn back to defend, he immediately dropped to the floor and reached for his knee.

Joel Embiid went back to the locker room after an apparent injury. pic.twitter.com/66CZtqG9z3
— ESPN (@espn) April 20, 2024

He remained down on the floor for several minutes before slowly walking off to the 76ers locker room.

Embiid underwent knee surgery in February and missed two months of the season. He returned at the end of the season and played in five of the 76ers' final seven games.

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