Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (right) shields the ball from Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks. Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

76ers star Joel Embiid out vs. Hawks, underscoring a frustrating trend

By Zachary Wolpin | Last updated Feb 19, 2026 1:48 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers were without their franchise cornerstone Thursday night.

Starting center Joel Embiid was been ruled out for the game against the Atlanta Hawks at home because of a right knee injury. The Sixers ended up losing, 117-107. It's the latest setback in what has been a frustrating stretch of health issues. The timing underscores a larger theme surrounding Embiid’s recent seasons.

In a recent candid interview with Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O'Connor, longtime trainer Drew Hanlen discussed the All-Star’s battle to stay on the floor when it matters most.

According to Hanlen, Embiid once told him, “I would trade my MVP for one healthy postseason run because I think that if I’m healthy, I’m dominant enough that I would carry us to win a championship.”

Will Joel Embiid ever make a deep postseason run with the Sixers?

Whether it has been injuries or unfortunate luck, the 76ers have underperformed in the Embiid era.

In his 10 seasons with Philadelphia, the team has made seven playoff appearances, but it hasn't made it past the conference semifinals. Philadelphia is 30-25 and sixth in the Eastern Conference.

The last time Philadelphia made the postseason was in 2024. At the time, Embiid was full healthy. Unfortunately for Sixers, they lost in the first round 4-2 to the Celtics. In six games, Embiid averaged 33 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists,1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks.

When healthy, Embiid is capable of giving the 76ers that type of MVP production in the playoffs. If he can stay healthy for an entire postseason run, the team is not far off from seriously contending in the East — especially if guard Tyrese Maxey continues to play at a high level.

Maxey, who is averaging 28.9 points, has scored 30+ points in 19 of his 53 games. Additionally, rookie shooting guard VJ Edgecombe has proved he is one of the top players in his class. The 20-year-old is averaging 15.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.5 steals.

Philadelphia's backcourt looks strong for years to come. The big question is: What version of Embiid will the 76ers have if they make the playoffs, as expected?

Zachary Wolpin

Zach Wolpin is an NBA and NFL writer who covers league news, trends, and daily storylines across professional sports. He has several years of experience writing about both leagues, with work published at outlets including Sir Charles In Charge, G-Men HQ, and TAPinto South Plainfield. Wolpin is a graduate of Montclair State University, where he earned a degree in Sports Media and Writing

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