The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a similar situation as last season, as setbacks are piling on.
Joel Embiid has become a frequent presence on the team’s injury report, and he’s currently in the midst of a four-game absence, which was in danger of extending to five games on Wednesday night.
On the eve of the matchup between the Sixers and the Toronto Raptors, Embiid remained on the injury report, listed as doubtful to play. The Sixers didn’t seem confident they would get their star center back in time for the matchup.
Joel Embiid’s Official Playing Status vs. Raptors Revealed
As expected, Embiid has been ruled out against the Raptors on Wednesday night. The Sixers are going to roll without Embiid for the eighth time this year.
On a bright note, the Sixers have been better in Embiid’s absence this year, compared to the 2024-2025 NBA season. With another positive step taken by Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers have posted a 4-3 record without the former MVP.
With Embiid, they are 4-2. Through those six games, Embiid posted an average of 19.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. He shot 46 percent from the field and 32 percent from three.
Going into Wednesday’s game, the Sixers are 8-5 and playing a surprisingly red-hot Raptors team. Over their past 10 games, the Raptors are 8-2. Heading into Philadelphia, they have won four games in a row.
Meanwhile, the Sixers are coming off a tight win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Wednesday’s game marks the start of a back-to-back set for Philadelphia, who will travel to Milwaukee right after wrapping up with the Raptors.
Embiid doesn’t seem to have any plans of playing in back-to-backs anytime soon. A few of his absences came on the first or second night of back-to-back sets. While Embiid’s availability for Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks is unknown, the fact that he was slightly upgraded on the injury report could be a sign that he’s progressing in the right direction, but targeting a later date. The Bucks matchup could be an option.
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