Joel Embiid finally made his return to the Philadelphia 76ers lineup after missing nine games due to right knee soreness. Embiid played 30 minutes against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, racking up 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
While it was great to see the star big man back on the floor again, the 76ers still lost to the Hawks in overtime, 142-134. To make matters worse, it appears that Embiid has been ruled out of Philadelphia’s next game against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.
Fans on social media couldn’t help but sympathize with Embiid, especially since he’s struggling with an injury that won’t allow him to play consistently.
Fans Express Their Thoughts on Joel Embiid’s Lingering Injury Issues
The NBA world can’t help but feel bad for Embiid. After missing nine consecutive games, the star big man finally made his return on Sunday, only to find himself back on the injury report.
Embiid himself is growing frustrated with the way his body recovers, and fans can’t help but sympathize with his situation.
Here’s what some fans said on X:
“Joel Embiid wants to be out there every game, but his body is failing him. You can just hear the disappointment in his voice. This is really sad,” one said.
Joel Embiid wants to be out there every game but his body is failing him. You can just hear the disappointment in his voice.
This is really sad.
— RB (@RBPhillyTake) December 1, 2025
“I do feel bad for Joel. People don’t understand the effect that compounding injuries have on you, especially at his size and ability. For reference, I’m 22 and I’ve had 2 knee surgeries and a torn MCL on the left leg in the span of 3 years. I don’t play sports, but it still hurts,” one shared.
I do feel bad for Joel. People don’t understand the effect that compounding injuries have on you, especially at his size and ability. For reference, I’m 22 and I’ve had 2 knee surgeries and a torn MCL on the left leg in the span of 3 years. I don’t play sports, but it still hurts
— nick (@NicholasERegan) December 1, 2025
“It’s a shame. 5 great years. He’s unfortunately done,” another said.
It’s a shame. 5 great years. He’s unfortunately done.
— PoliticalPHILAguy (@politicalPHILA) December 1, 2025
“It’s okay, it happens, there was many player in the past who couldn’t achieve their potential because injuries. But he’s dealing injuries way more time than a year. Why Sixers extend his contract for +2 seasons? That’s the real problem. Afraid he’ll be a burden for the next 3-4 yrs,” one wrote.
Its okay, it happens, there was many player in the past who couldn achieve their potential because injuries. But hes dealing injuries way more time than a year. Why Sixers extented his contract for +2 seasons? Thats the real problem. Afraid he’ll be a burden for the next 3-4 yrs
— VDVW (@VDVWAdam) December 1, 2025
“It’s part of the game. Unfortunately, it’s over,” another said.
It’s part of the game. Unfortunately it’s over
— Luís Papa (@luisdelpapa) December 1, 2025
“How disappointed is he when he checks his bank account?” one asked.
How disappointed is he when he checks his bank account?
— Surgeon General Dr. Jill Biden (@Super_Geniuss) December 1, 2025
As of this writing, it’s unclear if Embiid will be available for the Sixers after their game against the Wizards on Tuesday. According to reports, Philadelphia is carefully planning out the big man’s minutes and when he should participate in games.