I feel like I'm more informed, but have no clue about the most important question (from a fan standpoint): How long will he be out? I understand the answer might differ depending on whether he opts for rest or surgery, but what would the recovery timeline look like for both options?
I wonder if we get more pearl clutching pieces from NBA types arguing that the games played criteria is responsible for this outcome. They are always good for an amusing lack-of-perspective take.
If he aggravated his existing knee injury because he came back early in an attempt to qualify for the 65 game threshold (or because he was shamed into coming back early by people accusing him of ducking Denver), it's a worthwhile discussion to have. I know this was a contact injury and maybe if Kuminga had fallen on his knee when it was 100% he'd be in the exact same situation right now, but maybe since he was already hurt he was more prone to a major injury. Regardless of exactly how/why this happened, the Sixers organization looks like the biggest assholes here (not having Embiid on the injury list prior to Denver opened him up to a tremendous amount of criticism when he bailed, and not keeping him out against the Warriors when it was clear he was struggling is a terrible look).
FTR I'm 1000% in favor of the 65 game minimum for end of year honors, and thankfully much of the media has been speaking out in favor of it. We haven't heard much from the players in favor of it (likely because it would feel like bashing of Embiid/Haliburton), but I know that at least a couple of stars (Tatum/Edwards) have spoken about the importance of playing as often as possible in the past.
If Embiid is out for the year, what does their deadline look like?
Philly is in an interesting place because more so than any other contender, their cap is wide open after this year. Amazingly, Embiid is currently the only guaranteed contract on the 2024/2025 books for Philly (Reed is on a non-guaranteed deal and they have a team option on Springer, and obviously they will extend Maxey at big money). I don't know if they'd have the balls to be sellers (Brooklyn couldn't do it last year after they traded away Durant/Kyrie), but anyone they don't want to bring back next year really should be available if Embiid is done for the season. Veterans like Harris, Oubre, Batum and Covington could all bring back minor draft assets that would be useful going forward.