Andre Drummond’s resurgence season hit a scary pause Friday night in Brooklyn. The Philadelphia 76ers center left the game against the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter with a right knee sprain and will not return, according to Kyle Neubeck. He dropped to the floor after contesting a shot, grabbed at his right leg, and needed help to the locker room.
It got more concerning a few minutes later. Sixers beat reporter Kyle Neubeck reported on X that Drummond was spotted in a wheelchair in the tunnel at Barclays Center, calling it “not great,” even while noting it could be precautionary.
Before the injury, Andre Drummond gave Philadelphia exactly what it has leaned on all season with Joel Embiid out, toughness on the glass, and efficient offense. The veteran posted seven points, four rebounds, one assist, and one block in 11 minutes, hitting both of his shots from the field and all of his free throws.
Drummond entered Friday averaging 8.3 points and 10.7 rebounds in 16 games via ESPN, starting in place of Embiid while the franchise cornerstone deals with lingering knee issues. The big man had worked his way back into a major role, anchoring the paint and cleaning up misses for a shorthanded roster.
Even without him, the 76ers controlled the first half, taking a 63-48 lead into halftime behind hot shooting and a balanced attack. Still, the mood around the team shifted quickly.
With Joel Embiid already sidelined and rookie big man Adem Bona just back from his own ankle issue, another frontcourt injury is the last thing the 76ers need. How serious this knee sprain turns out to be will shape a lot more than just one night in Brooklyn.
