Joel Embiid has blunt take on early-season minutes restriction

The Philadelphia 76ers (2-0) look like a completely different basketball team to start the new season.

Last year was a disaster from start to finish. Hampered by injuries to just about every important player, the Sixers posted a 24-58 record, their worst finish since the rebuilding days when "the process" began.

As a result, expectations entering the season weren’t too high in Philly, particularly given all of the uncertainty around the health of the stars, none more prevalent than center Joel Embiid.

Having played in just 19 games in 2024-25, Embiid’s availability felt like somewhat of a mystery. His status for the season opener was in question, but the 31-year-old managed to get back onto the court and has appeared in each of the first two games.

The fresh start of a new season seems to have done he and the Sixers well, as they’ve looked rejuvenated with two consecutive comeback wins. However, what's been different about it is the fact that it hasn’t been led by the dominance of Embiid, who's been on a minutes restriction as he ramps up into shape post-injury. 

Embiid understands the line of thinking with his playing time, but he’s also not a big fan of having to come out of the game so often. 

"I’d rather not have minute restrictions, but I’ve got to get it out of the way. The longer I sit, the shorter stints, you don’t get in a rhythm, you play two to three minutes, and you gotta get out. That’s like two or three up and down; that’s literally nothing. I might as well just stay home and be with my family. Longer stints, you’re actually able to let the game come to you,” Embiid said.