Joel Embiid
Breakdown
Performance
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February 28, 2026
Has oblique strain, out three games
Embiid will be sidelined for the 76ers' next three games due to a right oblique strain, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Embiid reported soreness on his right side following the 76ers' win over the Heat on Thursday, and further tests have revealed that the former MVP is dealing with an oblique strain. The injury is severe enough to sideline Embiid for at least the next three games, which makes March 7 against the Hawks his next opportunity to return. In Embiid's absence, Andre Drummond should serve as the Sixers' starting center while Adem Bona elevates to backup duties.
February 28, 2026
Dealing with side soreness
Embiid did not participate in Saturday morning's practice due to soreness on his right side, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.
Analysis
Embiid felt the issue crop up after Thursday's 124-117 win over the Heat, when he logged 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and one steal over 31 minutes. Per Ky Carlin of USA Today, Embiid will consult with team doctors Saturday, and the injury report should provide more clarity on the 2023-24 MVP's status ahead of Sunday's Atlantic Division road tilt against the Celtics. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona would likely take on more sizable roles if Embiid is not cleared to play Sunday.
February 27, 2026
Double-doubles in win
Embiid produced 26 points (8-20 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 8-9 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists and one steal over 31 minutes during Thursday's 124-117 win over the Heat.
Analysis
Embiid got kneed in the ribs early in the game, and while he played through it, he could be seen grimacing throughout the match. The good news is that the 76ers don't play again until Sunday versus the Celtics, so Embiid will have a full two days to rest up. However, if the big man does need to hit the sidelines Sunday, that would give Andre Drummond a chance to get back into the rotation.
February 27, 2026
Returns Thursday
Embiid (ribs) has returned to Thursday's game against the Heat, per the broadcast.
Analysis
Embiid took a shot to the ribs and required a quick trip to the locker room, but he's since returned to the game. It appears he's fine.
February 27, 2026
Heads to locker room
Embiid went to the locker room during the second quarter of Thursday's game against the Heat due to an apparent rib injury, Dave Uram of KYW Newsradio reports.
Analysis
Embiid looked to take a knee to the ribs while attacking the basket and was in obvious pain well after the contact. He can be considered questionable to return until the team provides an update on his status.
February 26, 2026
Will play Thursday
Embiid (shin, knee) will play in Thursday's game against the Heat, per Austin Krell of OnPattison.com.
Analysis
As expected, the star big man is set to play after garnering a probable tag due to shin and knee issues Thursday. Embiid has reached peak form as of late, averaging 32.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 blocks in 33.4 minutes per game in his last seven contests.
February 25, 2026
Likely to play Thursday
Embiid is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Heat due to right knee injury management and right shin soreness, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.
Analysis
Embiid has been tending to knee and shin injuries, issues that caused him to miss five consecutive games before playing 26 minutes against the Pacers on Tuesday. While he's not fully recovered, the veteran center is expected to play through the injury Thursday. Embiid logged 27 points, six rebounds and five assists against Indiana.
February 25, 2026
Lights up box score in return
Embiid (shin/knee) scored 27 points (11-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 4-5 FT), six rebounds, five assists and one block across 26 minutes Tuesday in the 76ers' 135-114 win over the Pacers.
Analysis
Embiid filled out the stat sheet nicely while taking the court for the first time since Feb. 7, after he had missed the 76ers' previous five contests due to right shin soreness and right knee injury management. Though Embiid had played 30-plus minutes in each of his prior five appearances, the 76ers were able to ease him back into the fold with a lighter workload while they cruised to an easy win. Assuming he came out of Tuesday's contest no worse for the wear, Embiid should get back over the 30-minute mark in the 76ers' next game Thursday versus the Heat.
February 24, 2026
Upgraded to available
Embiid (knee/shin) is available for Tuesday's game against the Pacers.
Analysis
After five straight games on the shelf, Embiid will shed his questionable tag for this contest. However, it's possible he has some restrictions in his first game back. With the star big man back in the mix, Andre Drummond is expected to shift to the second unit.
February 23, 2026
Iffy for Tuesday
Embiid (knee/shin) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Indiana.
Analysis
Embiid has missed five straight games while handling right knee injury management and right shin soreness, so a questionable tag represents a positive step compared to being immediately ruled out for a sixth consecutive contest. If he's unable to suit up Tuesday, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona would be in line to handle the bulk of the minutes at center for Philadelphia.