Joel Embiid (Image Credits: Imagn)

Joel Embiid Drops Cryptic Message After Getting Ruled Out vs. Wizards

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 12:49 AM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers were set to play the lowly Washington Wizards, and in a surprise twist, the Sixers announced that Joel Embiid would be out due to illness.

Despite being labeled as a ‘free throw’ merchant, the Cameroonian-born big man has suited up whenever possible. While his MVP days might be over, as he’s constantly been injured, if healthy, Embiid is still a very good player. Sadly, the time he’s missed since being named the best in the league has accumulated rapidly, including this season.

And apparently, he wasn’t even personally informed when the Sixers ruled him out against the Wizards.

“I guess they won’t let me play basketball!!” Joel Embiid wrote on his official X account.

I guess they won’t let me play basketball!!
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) April 1, 2026

In a prior X tweet, when the news first broke, Embiid was livid about it. “Must be APRIL FOLLS joke??? Played against Miami in the same conditions, and I’m planning to play tonight!!!” he said.

Uh oh. Is there some turmoil happening between the Sixers organization and Embiid? Granted, the team doesn’t want to risk their star getting injured, especially against the Wizards.

The Sixers handily won against the Wizards, 153-131.

Joel Embiid Playing Through Pain

In the 2025-2026 NBA season, Embiid has suited up for only 36 games with Philly. He’s been battling numerous woes, including a bothersome oblique strain. And he has implied that it may take until the offseason for things to get better.

Joel Embiid (Image Credits: Imagn)

“It’s really painful. You can’t cough. You can’t sneeze. Every time you sneeze, it feels like you are going back to where you started. It’s still not where it’s supposed to be. Maybe when the season is over, it’s going to get better. It’s really painful,” Joel Embiid said in an interview.

This season, Embiid has averaged 26-7-3 splits in just 31 minutes per game for the Sixers.

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

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