Joel Embiid talks minutes restriction after Sixers’ win over Hornets

The Sixers are 2-0 for the first time since 2020–21, but Joel Embiid doesn’t exactly sound thrilled about it.

After Philadelphia’s 125–121 comeback win over the Charlotte Hornets, Embiid made it clear he’s not loving the strict 20-minute limit the medical staff has him on.

He played just five minutes in the second half before Nick Nurse had to pull him, finishing with 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting. It was a strong bounce-back from his rough season opener in Boston, but the reigning MVP sounded restless.

“Obviously, I’m on a heavy minutes restriction,” Embiid said postgame. “I know I played in the preseason, but it’s not the same. Not even close. I’m trying to work my way back and figure it out.”

Joel Embiid talks minutes restriction after Sixers’ win over Hornets

Joel Embiid:

“The longer I sit, the shorter stints, you play 2-3 minutes and you gotta get out, that's literally nothing. I might as well just stay home and be with my family. Longer stints, you're able to let the game come to you.”

(h/t @MrBuckBuckNBA)pic.twitter.com/yQSJfYK4iR

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 26, 2025

Sixers outlast Hornets 125–121 behind Quentin Grimes’ late three

A Strong Start, Then a Hard Stop

Nurse let Embiid play longer stretches in the first half to help him get into rhythm. It worked. The big man scored nine points in the first quarter, then added seven more in the second, including a pair of three-pointers. But once he hit that 20-minute cap in the third quarter, his night was over.

“Tonight it was like, well, I only got 20 minutes,” Embiid explained. “The one thing I don’t like about it is you know you only got three or four stints. That makes me push myself because if I don’t make an impact, I’m not going to get the chance. I’m not gonna do anything in 20 minutes.”

Joel Embiid even joked about the irony of it all.

“If you’re only going to play two or three minutes, you might as well just stay home and be with your family,” he said. “Longer stints actually let the game come to you. But the longer the stint, the faster you hit your limit.”

Drummond Steps In, Sixers Close Strong

Once Joel Embiid exited, Andre Drummond took over the middle and delivered a throwback performance. The veteran center dominated the glass, helped stabilize the defense, and gave the Sixers a much-needed spark during their comeback.

Even Embiid acknowledged that the restriction might be necessary for the bigger picture.

“I’d rather not have it,” he said, “but I get it. I trust them. I just want to get it over with.”

“Basketball Shape Is Different”

Embiid admitted he’s still working toward full game conditioning.

“Being in shape is one thing, but being in basketball shape is another,” he said. “You need to play and you need to play a lot. Playing six minutes, sitting for 10, then playing six more, you’re not going anywhere.”

When asked when the restriction might end, Embiid didn’t have an answer.

“I have no idea,” he said. “I make my case every day. If they listen to me, good. If they don’t, that’s on them.”

The Sixers’ cautious approach makes sense. They’re not winning anything without Embiid healthy in April and May. Still, the MVP’s patience is clearly wearing thin.

Next up, Philadelphia hosts the Orlando Magic on Monday, where Embiid will once again have to make the most of his limited time on the floor.

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