The Philadelphia 76ers have 16 back-to-backs in the 2025-26 season, which all but ends Joel Embiid’s shot at winning awards. The former MVP has made it clear that he plans to never play another one, which means 16 absences off the top. NBA players must play in 65 games to be eligible for awards. That means Embiid can only miss one other contest, which is impossible given his injury struggles.
The Sixers do not know what to expect from The Process this season. He played just 19 games last season and is still not fully back on the floor. His massive extension looks worse by the day, and the seven-time All-Star may be reaching the end of the line. He is only 31 years old, but Embiid simply can’t stay healthy.
The schedule release was another depressing update for Sixers fans. Their 16 back-to-backs are tied for the most in the NBA. The league did not do the franchise or Embiid any favors. Expect him to miss at least one half in all 16, which will end his award cases.
Joel Embiid can’t win any award this season
Sixers fans hoping for an All-NBA bounce back from Embiid saw their dreams shattered on Thursday afternoon. The big man was MVP in 2023, and that will likely be the final time he wins an NBA award. If the current rules were in effect, he would have only been eligible twice. Embiid played a career-high 68 games in 2022 and 66 in 2023.
The injuries are catching up to the big man, which creates a gigantic headache for the 76ers. He is under contract until 2029 on a max deal. Philadelphia owes him $67.1 million in the final year. Fans already know Embiid is picking up that player option.
The Sixers drafted VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick in the 2025 draft to give them some hope for the future. Embiid and Paul George may never be fully healthy again, but the franchise has three exciting young guards. They hope Tyrese Maxey makes another leap this season, and Jared McCain builds on a strong rookie season. Edgecombe gives them a third young talent to develop, even if their two superstars are never the same.
The Philadelphia 76ers do not have to worry about Joel Embiid winning awards this season. The goal should be getting him healthy and keeping him on the floor for the playoffs. The Sixers have to get there first, but fans know Embiid makes an impact whenever he plays. All they can do is hope for health when the games matter most. It seems unlikely, but it never hurts to dream.