76ers C Embiid undergoes orbital bone surgery

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid underwent surgery on Saturday to repair the fractured orbital bone around his left eye, ESPN reported.

The 76ers reportedly believe Embiid can return as quickly as two weeks, which means they would have their All-Star center back early in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Philadelphia (45-30) has already clinched a berth and are battling the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers in hopes of securing home-court advantage in the first round. The playoffs are set to begin April 14.

Embiid was originally diagnosed with facial contusions following a collision with rookie guard Markelle Fultz in Wednesday night's win over the New York Knicks.

Embiid was injured when Fultz slammed into Embiid as both players were attempting to collect a loose ball following a fumbled handoff.

"I was trying to get the ball," Fultz said after the game, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia. "At the same time I was watching him. My heart dropped really because I know he hit me. But he's a tough guy and I know he's going to be OK. All I can do is pray for him."

According to a statement released Thursday, Embiid was asymptomatic when checked for a concussion immediately after the injury and passed the NBA's concussion assessment. However, "he later began experiencing symptoms and has since been diagnosed with a concussion," putting him in the league's concussion protocol.

Embiid is averaging 22.9 points and 11 rebounds in 63 games.

--Field Level Media