When healthy, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid remains one of the most dominant players in the NBA. The problem, however, is that those healthy days are becoming less frequent. A recent update from an NBA insider adds another layer of uncertainty to Embiid’s future, once again putting the team’s championship hopes in a precarious position.
What Does the Latest Injury News Mean for Joel Embiid?
NBA insider Underdog NBA revealed that Embiid may be hurt again, stating that he “is being evaluated by team doctors for right knee soreness.” As a result, Embiid will not play in the 76ers’ next game against the Boston Celtics. As Underdog also points out, this latest development is particularly worrying because the pain is now in his other knee, not the one with his chronic left knee issues.
Throughout this season, the 76ers have been cautious with Embiid, keeping him on a minutes restriction and trying to avoid playing him in back-to-back games. The approach makes sense, as Embiid remains a force when he is on the court. He is averaging 19.7 points per game this season and had 29 points in his most recent performance against the Toronto Raptors. Currently, the 76ers are seventh in the Eastern Conference standings with a 6-4 record.
This situation puts 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey under renewed scrutiny. Morey received plenty of criticism for offering Embiid a three-year, $192.9 million extension despite his injury history. That extension is set to take effect during the 2026-27 season, and given the persistent uncertainty, Embiid arguably has the most untradable contract in the NBA at present.
If you’ve got Joel Embiid on your fantasy team, you didn’t listen to my entire offseason of BEGGING you all to avoid the riskiest guys this year. pic.twitter.com/fkWN8YsUma
— Dan Besbris (@DanBesbris) November 11, 2025
As Embiid’s status remains in question, the speculation that the 76ers will officially hand the keys to the franchise to guard Tyrese Maxey will only grow louder. Maxey’s explosive start to the season makes a strong case. He is currently among the NBA’s top three scorers, averaging 33.2 points per game, and also ranks sixth in assists with an average of 8.2 per game.
Beyond Maxey, exciting rookie VJ Edgecombe is emerging as one of the top Rookie of the Year contenders. The guard is averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. However, the trio of Embiid, Maxey, and Edgecombe has played only 117 minutes together this season, and their plus/minus rating of just +4 suggests there is still room for growth and chemistry to build.
The team also has tremendous depth around that nucleus, with wings Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. providing support. Additionally, second-year guard Jared McCain is working his way back into the rotation after a strong rookie year was derailed by a torn meniscus in his left knee.
This depth includes nine-time All-Star Paul George, who was signed to be the final piece for a championship run. However, he has yet to play this season while recovering from his own left knee surgery. On paper, the 76ers are as talented as any team in the East, but their title hopes still hinge on a healthy Embiid.
That reality makes this latest development all the more frustrating for 76ers fans.
