Key Highlights
- Joel Embiid will miss a second straight game due to knee soreness.
- The 2022-23 NBA MVP is currently being evaluated by team doctors for his injury status.
- Embiid has not played since returning from a torn lateral meniscus in January 2024.
- The 76ers are cautious with Embiid’s return, limiting his minutes and game appearances.
Joel Embiid’s Injuries: A Season of Challenges
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid faces another setback in the ongoing saga of his injury history. The star player, who has been navigating a series of knee issues throughout his career, is set to miss his second consecutive game due to soreness in his right knee. This development comes ahead of an important matchup against the Boston Celtics on November 14, 2025.
Embiid’s journey back from injury began in January 2024 when he tore his lateral meniscus.
Despite missing nearly two months and eventually undergoing arthroscopic surgery in April of that year, Embiid returned to the court for the final stretch of the regular season and played through the playoffs. His return marked a significant milestone in his career but also highlighted the challenges he faces with persistent knee issues.
Load Management and Cautious Return
The 76ers have implemented a load management plan to protect Embiid’s health, particularly given the importance of the player to their team. This strategy involves limiting his game time and ensuring he does not play on consecutive nights when possible. For instance, during Sunday’s loss against the Detroit Pistons, Embiid sat out as part of this plan.
As of the 2025-26 season, Embiid has shown signs of resilience but continues to be a focal point for the Sixers’ strategy.
His return was marked by cautious optimism, with the team managing his minutes carefully in their final preseason game on October 17 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. During this contest, he demonstrated his value by scoring 14 points while adding eight assists, seven rebounds, and three steals in just 19 minutes of play.
The Impact on Team Strategy
With Embiid sidelined, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will assume the center position for the Sixers. The team’s strategy is centered around Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgcombe in the backcourt, who have led Philadelphia to a 6-4 start as of November 11, 2025.
The absence of Embiid highlights the critical role he plays for the Sixers. However, his continued presence on the court remains a priority for the team and its fans. The 76ers will continue to monitor Embiid’s progress closely, with the hope that he can return to full form in due course.
Conclusion
The status of Joel Embiid is a significant topic of discussion among basketball enthusiasts as the 76ers prepare for their upcoming game against the Boston Celtics. While his absence from the court continues to impact team dynamics, fans and analysts alike are hopeful that he can return to form soon. The ongoing saga of Embiid’s knee injury serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many NBA players in maintaining long-term health and performance.
