Sixers’ Embiid has surgery to repair broken orbital bone

Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid, center, lies not he court after an injury during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid had surgery Saturday to repair a broken bone around his left eye.

The team says there is no timetable for Embiid’s return. He is scheduled to have a post-operative examination late next week, and further updates will be provided then.

Embiid was injured when guard Markelle Fultz accidentally head-butted him while diving toward the basket Wednesday against the New York Knicks. The 7-footer immediately went to the floor and remained there for several minutes before eventually getting helped off the court.

Embiid also suffered a concussion and remains in the NBA’s concussion program.

The Sixers clearly need their big man if they’re going to make a run in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Embiid leads the team with 22.9 points and 11 rebounds in 63 games, helping Philly clinch its first playoff berth since 2012.