Joel Embiid talked on-going injury concerns following 76ers 108-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday
Joel Embiid’s availability—or lack thereof—has been one of the biggest storylines for the Philadelphia 76ers this season.
While everyone knew the reigning MVP would be on a strict injury management plan in 2024-25, no one expected this many absences so early in the season, and the team’s record shows the effect, sitting at 7-15 and in 12th place in the Eastern Conference.
Heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls, Joel Embiid had played in just four of the Sixers’ 21 games. He didn’t suit up until the team’s 10th game, and after three consecutive appearances, a bout of knee swelling sidelined him again.
What was initially a two-game precautionary absence ballooned into a seven-game stretch of uncertainty.
Joel Embiid: “No Injury,” Just Frustration
The Sixers have been careful to manage Embiid’s situation, with head coach Nick Nurse repeatedly assuring fans that the star big man didn’t suffer a re-injury. Embiid echoed that sentiment after Sunday’s game.
“Just trying to figure it out, there’s no injury,” Embiid told ESPN. “Just between the swelling … we’ve got to get it figured out. That’s it.”
The frustration isn’t just physical—Embiid has opened up about how mentally taxing this process has been.
“I’ve been saying it for the last few months, it’s been extremely depressing,” he said. “It’s something that hasn’t been figured out, and it’s been extremely annoying, because I would love to play every single game.”
Embiid’s health has always been a concern, but this recent chapter adds another layer to his ongoing battle with injuries. Last season, he dealt with a meniscus injury that required surgery right before the 2024 NBA Playoffs. He returned in time to help the Sixers but couldn’t carry them past the New York Knicks in a six-game series.
This summer, Embiid competed for Team USA at the Paris Olympics, staying healthy throughout the tournament. Many hoped his strong showing on the international stage would translate to a dominant and consistent NBA season. Instead, fans have been left wondering when—or if—he’ll be available for a sustained stretch.
Joel Embiid returns with 31 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK performance vs Bulls
For all the mystery and frustration surrounding Embiid’s availability, one thing is clear: he can still dominate when he’s on the floor.
Against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 20, Embiid dropped 35 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 2 assists in a narrow six-point loss.
On Sunday, he followed that up with a 31-point, 12-rebound performance against the Bulls, proving yet again, that when he’s healthy, he’s still one of the most dominant players in the NBA.
Now, we’ll go back to the waiting game and see if Embiid’s knee can handle the impact from Sunday. Thankfully, the Sixers now have a bit of breathing room, with their next game not until Friday against the Indiana Pacers.
Embiid’s status for that game remains unclear, and as always, it’ll depend on how his knee responds in the coming days.
For now, Sixers fans can only hope that this latest bout of absences is just a bump in the road—and not a sign of another long-term setback. With Embiid’s ability to change a game when healthy, his presence could be the difference between a solid season and a true championship push.
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