76ers Announce Joel Embiid News on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Dec 27, 2025 6:56 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers have had an inconsistent start to the 2025–26 NBA season, currently sitting at 16–13 after dropping their second straight game Friday against the Chicago Bulls. Despite the results, the organization believes that with its current core, a deep run in the Eastern Conference is still possible if the roster can stay healthy.

That has not been the case so far, particularly with Joel Embiid. The 31-year-old center appears to be past his physical prime, having played in only 13 games. He is averaging 21.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocks in 27 minutes per night, but his efficiency has dipped.

Embiid is shooting just 44.3% from the field and 25.9% from three-point range, numbers well below his career standards. As a result, point guard Tyrese Maxey has emerged as the new face of the franchise and the focal point of the offense.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21)© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Embiid has had to carefully manage his workload in hopes of staying available and healthy, but that simply has not been the case this season. He has frequently appeared on the injury report with knee injury management, an issue that has lingered and will likely remain a concern for the rest of the year.

On Saturday, the 76ers announced their latest update and added a new setback: a right ankle sprain (h/t Adam Aaronson of The Philly Voice). The team immediately ruled Embiid out for Sunday’s matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, further underscoring the uncertainty surrounding his ability to stay on the floor.

The Sixers have an injury report for tomorrow's game @ OKC:

Joel Embiid – right knee injury management; right ankle sprain – OUT

Paul George — left knee injury management — PROBABLE

Kelly Oubre Jr. – left knee sprain – OUT

Trendon Watford – left adductor strain – OUT
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) December 27, 2025

For a franchise that relies heavily on his presence, each missed game raises questions about how far Philadelphia can realistically push in the Eastern Conference.

Joel Embiid’s Legacy Meets a Turning Point

Drafted third overall by the 76ers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Embiid has spent his entire decade in the league with the franchise, becoming one of the most dominant big men of his era.

He is a seven-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion, five-time All-NBA selection, three-time All-Defensive honoree and the 2022–23 NBA MVP. At his peak, he combined elite scoring, rebounding, rim protection and playmaking, redefining the modern center position.

His ability to anchor both ends of the floor made Philadelphia a perennial contender, and his accolades reflect the level of excellence that the team still hopes he can recapture.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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