NBA Injury Report: Joel Embiid continues load management, Jazz’s Walker Kessler out for the season

Injuries delivered a double blow to the center positions in the NBA on Wednesday, as the Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler was reported out for the remainder of the season, while the Philadelphia 76ers’ star, Joel Embiid, was ruled out for their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The most devastating news came from Utah, where Kessler, 24, will reportedly miss the entire season after sustaining a torn labrum in his left shoulder. 

According to an ESPN report on Wednesday afternoon, Kessler is scheduled to undergo surgery.

The injury halts a breakout start to the season for the young Jazz center. Through five games (all starts), Kessler was posting career-high numbers, including team-highs of 10.8 rebounds (ranking eighth in the league) and 1.8 blocks (ranking seventh). 

He was also averaging 14.4 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals in 30.8 minutes per contest. 

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Walker Kessler will undergo season-ending left shoulder surgery, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/liPmYJQqWS

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 5, 2025

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers announced that reigning MVP Joel Embiid has been ruled out of Wednesday’s road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The team confirmed that the 31-year-old center is sitting out the second night of a back-to-back set, a precautionary measure intended to limit his early-season workload as he manages chronic issues with his left knee.

Embiid, a seven-time All-Star, played 26 minutes in Tuesday’s 113-111 loss to the Chicago Bulls, contributing 20 points. Through five games this season, Embiid is averaging 17.8 points and 5.4 rebounds.

“It’s always going to be tough on a back-to-back,” 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said. “We’ve got to bounce back immediately. Obviously, a very tough opponent is waiting for us.”

The twin injuries underscore the physical toll on the league’s big men, with one promising center facing a season-ending operation and one of the league’s best forced into load management to preserve his long-term health.

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