76ers' Embiid out for at least a month after knee surgery

NEW YORK – Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, the NBA's reigning Most Valuable Player, has been ruled out for at least a month after knee surgery, his team said on Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time).

The team did not say how long Embiid is expected to be sidelined but said he would be examined in a month.

"Joel Embiid had a successful procedure today to address an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee. He will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks," the team said in a statement.

Embiid is currently the NBA’s leading scorer at 35.3 points per game and is averaging 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists.

The 29-year-old, born in Cameroon, scored a franchise-record 70 points to go with 18 rebounds on Jan. 22 in a 133-124 victory over San Antonio.

Embiid suffered the injury last Tuesday in a loss to Golden State when the Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga fell on his left leg as they scrambled for a loose ball.

Embiid has missed 15 games this season and his absence is almost certain to end his chances of being eligible for a second straight MVP award.

Under new NBA rules, a player must play in 65 regular season games to be eligible for individual awards.

The 76ers are 30-18 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.