Many are out on the Philadelphia 76ers before the 2025-26 season begins due to one flaw: health, specifically that of Joel Embiid’s. However, in a rather surprising turn of events, Embiid gave skeptics reason to question themselves.
The 76ers have cleared Embiid to play their final preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at 7 p.m. EST, Chris Haynes reported. Fans and media alike questioned Embiid’s reliability in the short and long term, but he’s slowly silencing the narrative one step at a time.
The 76ers go as far as Embiid can take them
While the Eastern Conference is ripe for the taking, the 76ers are unable to seize the opportunity without Embiid at his best.
Philadelphia saw injuries decimate its roster last season and Embiid was at the forefront. His left knee limited him to 19 games and forced the 76ers to shut him down on February 28th. He underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his troubled knee on April 11th as Philadelphia finished the year 24-58 – its worst finish since 2016-17.
Injuries aside, Embiid is amongst the NBA’s finest when healthy. His multi-faceted scoring and rim protection has elevated the 76ers’ contention status for nearly a decade. While Philadelphia may survive the regular season with Tyrese Maxey leading the way, it needs Embiid’s services to surpass the Eastern Conference SemiFinals for the first time since 2000-01.
What’s next?
Embiid may be ready for the regular season – a feat fans thought far-fetched just weeks ago.
Embiid and Daryl Morey shared a common sentiment on Media Day that he would listen to his body and not return prematurely, which inclined fans to believe that Embiid would remain sidelined for the near future. Nevertheless, it seems the 2022-23 Most Valuable Player’s patient approach is paying off.
It remains unlikely that Embiid will play in back-to-back games, yet alone 82. Still, Philadelphia and Embiid’s plan of attack will yield them long-term results. The 76ers strictly managed him throughout last season, which was a wise decision, Embiid simply wasn’t healthy enough for the plan to be effective. Now healthier, Philadelphia can monitor Embiid’s workload with the goal of keeping him fresh for the postseason, but also not letting him get too rusty.
Many have speculated that Embiid will inherit less of the 76ers’ offensive load, which could play an equally important role in keeping him healthy. Embiid will take the floor at Xfinity Mobile Arena for the first time since February 22nd and perhaps fans will see that theory come into fruition.