The last time Joel Embiid and Paul George played together was not long ago, as it happened earlier this same NBA season. Their most recent appearance came on January 22, 2026, in an overtime win against the Houston Rockets, 128-122.

It was a game where both made an impact. Paul George recorded 10 points in 37 minutes, along with six rebounds and four assists, while Joel Embiid finished with a triple-double, posting 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, showing how important they are for the 76ers.

Embiid injury update

The 76ers have been without Joel Embiid for the past 12 games as he has been dealing with a right oblique injury. Before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, head coach Nick Nurse said that Embiid participated in an on-court workout after shootaround as he continues his recovery.

Embiid’s season was impacted by injury. He has been limited to 33 games, averaging a little over 31 minutes per game. The last time he played was on Feb. 26 in a win against the Miami Heat, when he recorded 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and one steal.

He has been averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 blocks, with shooting splits of 49.5 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from three-point range and 85.8 percent from the free-throw line.

Paul George suspension

The 76ers have also been without Paul George, who received a 25-game suspension for violating NBA rules. At the time, the league announced, “forward Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA NBPA Anti-Drug Program.”

It was a significant blow for Philadelphia, especially as he had been finding rhythm during the season. The nine-time All Star, in his 16th season, was averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists through 27 games.

The former MVP-winning center has missed half the campaign and is currently nursing an oblique strain. He is still at least a week away from returning to the court, according to PhillyVoice reporter Adam Aaronson.

Embiid has started individualized strength and conditioning work, but it remains to be seen when he will take part in on-court drills. The 76ers will reevaluate their injury-ravaged big man and hope to receive positive updates in the coming days.

Embiid has dealt with health issues throughout his career. This oblique injury appears to be relatively minor, but having to continue missing games due to physical discomfort, especially when he was regaining his rhythm and establishing a high level of play, can be unsettling.

Another bad news for the 76ers

In addition, standout rookie VJ Edgecombe did not practice due to the back injury he suffered on Tuesday. His status for Saturday’s road game against the Atlanta Hawks remains uncertain. Fortunately, veteran forward Kelly Oubre Jr. returned to action after missing the last two games because of illness and is expected to play at State Farm Arena.

Philadelphia (34-28) has experienced ups and downs throughout the NBA season, but this is not the ideal moment to face major adversity. Nick Nurse’s team is holding on to the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference, doing everything they can to keep the Orlando Magic, the Miami Heat and the surging Charlotte Hornets behind them.

With Paul George serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA anti-drug policy, the 76ers are even more in need of a healthy No. 21. Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey will continue taking on the responsibility and carrying the team.

While the current unit has built modest momentum, putting together a small winning streak, the approaching trade deadline threatens to disrupt that progress. Embiid addressed the situation after a recent game, subtly sending a message to the 76ers’ front office about the importance of keeping the core intact as the franchise pushes forward.

“Obviously, we’ve been ducking the tax the last couple of years,” Embiid said. “So hopefully we’ll keep the same team. I love all the guys who are in here. I think we’ve got a shot.” His comments reflected both confidence in the locker room and a desire for stability as Philadelphia aims to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.

“I don’t know what they’re going to do,” Embiid added regarding potential deadline moves. “But I hope that we’ll get a chance just to go out and compete because we’ve got a good group of guys in this locker room, the vibes are great. Hopefully we think about improving the team at the deadline, because we got a chance.”

Last game for the 76ers

The 76ers recorded a hard-fought 113–111 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night, powered by standout performances from Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. With the victory, Philadelphia improved to a 26–21 record and climbed to sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings, reinforcing the idea that the team is trending in the right direction.

The win over Sacramento served as evidence of the 76ers’ ability to compete under pressure. Even though the Kings have struggled for consistency in the NBA Western Conference, Philadelphia showed resilience and composure in crucial stretches of the game.

After a shaky close to the third quarter, Tyrese Maxey finished with 40 points and eight assists on 12-of-18 shooting, while Joel Embiid added 37 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. Their combined effort ultimately secured the victory and highlighted why the 76ers remain a dangerous team when their stars perform at an elite level.

On one side, 76ers star Joel Embiid is listed as available for Monday night’s matchup against the Pacers. Embiid, who has appeared in three straight games, continues to see his minutes and workload managed as the 76ers prioritize keeping him healthy for the postseason, a cautious approach given his injury history.

In addition to Embiid, the 76ers will be without Paul George, who is listed as out. The veteran guard is dealing with left knee injury management and is not suiting up tonight, which would represent another significant setback for Philadelphia.

Joel Embiid’s numbers

The former NBA MVP has appeared in 22 games this season and is averaging 24.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 25.3 percent from three-point range.

Embiid has looked much closer to his usual scoring form this month, averaging 26.3 points per game while shooting 53.2 percent from the field across eight contests, providing optimism for Philadelphia moving forward.

How the 76ers and Pacers arrive

In Friday’s loss to the Cavaliers, Embiid led the 76ers with 33 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Tyrese Maxey added 22 points, five rebounds, and nine assists in the defeat.

On the other side, Indiana enters Monday’s contest with a 10-33 record after losing on the road to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. Jarace Walker paced the Pacers with 13 points and five rebounds, while Tony Bradley contributed 10 points and five rebounds off the bench.

The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to have their franchise center available as they close out a five-game road trip on Saturday night. According to NBA Underdog, Philadelphia now lists Joel Embiid as available to play, a positive sign as they prepare to face the Knicks in New York.

On the Knicks side, Karl-Anthony Towns appears on the injury report and will now be updated to play for Saturday night. His final status could play a significant role in determining the flow and outcome of the matchup, especially against a Philadelphia frontcourt anchored by Embiid.

The Knicks enter the game with a 23-11 record and sit in second place in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers, who hold an 18-14 mark, occupy fifth place in the East and look to secure a road victory that would further strengthen their position in the standings.

Knicks injury report

New York lists three players on the injury report, with Towns being the most notable name. Josh Hart is ruled out, which removes an important defensive presence and rebounder from the Knicks‘ rotation.

• Karl-Anthony Towns, illness, questionable
• Josh Hart, right ankle sprain, out
• Landry Shamet, right shoulder sprain, out

76ers injury report

Philadelphia also lists five players on their injury report, with Embiid drawing the most attention. Embiid last played in Thursday’s 123-108 win over the Dallas Mavericks, where he finished with 22 points, six assists, four rebounds, and one block while shooting efficiently from the field.

• Joel Embiid, right knee injury management, probable
• Kelly Oubre Jr., left knee sprain, out
• Trenton Watford, left adductor strain, out
• MarJon Beauchamp, G League two-way, out
• Johni Broome, G League assignment, out

Joel Embiid numbers this season

Across 15 games this NBA season, Embiid is averaging 22.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. His rebounding rate sits at a career low, and his shooting efficiency has dipped compared to previous seasons, including 44.1 percent from the field and 23.9 percent from three-point range, as he continues to work back into full rhythm.

Speaking with the Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers’ franchise center reflected on his physical progress as he worked his way back into form following another disrupted start to the campaign. Embiid acknowledged that the process had been gradual but encouraging.

“I feel like I’m getting back to myself,” Embiid said. “Taking what the defense gives me. Physically, I think where I feel it the most is defensively. I’m getting back to that level of just moving my feet, blocking shots, and being that defensive presence.” Those comments came at a pivotal moment for both Embiid and the 76ers, who had spent weeks managing his workload and rebuilding chemistry.

Embiid feels closer to his prime

Philadelphia was beginning to see clear signs that its anchor was rounding into shape on both ends of the floor, particularly on defense, where Embiid’s presence has long defined the team’s ceiling and identity.

“If you want to talk about feeling like myself, two years ago, when I felt like I reached that peak level, every time I stepped on the court, I felt like I could score 40 or 50 every single night,” Embiid said. “I can be more aggressive, but I feel like I’m also smarter.”

Embiid’s path back had been shaped by multiple physical setbacks. Knee and ankle issues earlier in the season limited his availability, prompting Philadelphia to take a cautious approach that prioritized long-term health over short-term urgency.

Embiid’s numbers this season

Statistically, Embiid had started the NBA season slowly by his own standards. He was averaging 22.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 23.9 percent from three, numbers that reflected the time he needed to regain conditioning and timing.

Still, flashes of his dominance were beginning to reappear. In the win over the Mavericks, Embiid finished with 22 points, four rebounds, six assists, and one block in 35 minutes, shooting 50 percent from the floor while anchoring the defense, a performance that underscored why the 76ers believed his best basketball was still ahead.

According to the latest official NBA injury report for Friday, December 26, the 76ers have listed Joel Embiid as questionable due to right knee injury management for tonight’s matchup in Chicago.

The 2022-23 MVP is coming off a productive but harrowing performance in Tuesday’s 114-106 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Embiid logged 27 points, six rebounds, and four assists, but gave Philadelphia fans a scare when he went down in the third quarter with an apparent knee injury. Although he briefly retreated to the locker room, he eventually returned to finish the contest.

Following the game, the big man provided a cautious but optimistic update on his condition. “Just hyperextended it. Went to the locker room, then they checked it out. We’ll see how it feels,” Embiid told reporters, via Sports Illustrated. Despite the scare, he noted a general improvement in his physical state.

“Feels good. I’m starting to feel better, obviously… but I feel like, body-wise, some of the main issues coming into the season, my body feels pretty good. I’m moving much better. Offensively and defensively, I’m able to trust myself even more. So I think now the next step is just being consistent, as far as getting game action, and I’ll be back to myself,” he added.

Complete injury report for both teams

Philadelphia enters the United Center with several other rotation questions. Along with Embiid, the Sixers have listed VJ Edgecombe, Dominick Barlow, and Quentin Grimes as questionable as they continue to recover from a lingering illness that forced them to miss Tuesday’s game. Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) and Trendon Watford (adductor) have both been ruled out.

The Bulls, meanwhile, enter the matchup in hot form, riding a four-game winning streak. Their injury report is relatively clean: Noa Essengue is out following shoulder surgery, while Patrick Williams is considered questionable due to illness.

Embiid, who has played only nine games since returning from left knee surgery, is listed as probable for the meeting with the Pacers. The former MVP continues to work his way back into rhythm as he adjusts to his minute-management plan.

Maxey initially shared the same probable designation, but he has since been downgraded to questionable due to illness. According to NBA Underdog, he has now been ruled out, leaving Philadelphia in a difficult position given how essential he has been to their offensive structure.

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse has benefited from having his dynamic guard on the floor throughout the NBA season, which has allowed him to be cautious with Embiid’s playing time and overall workload as the big man continues his recovery.

The difference in consistency between Embiid and Maxey

After the Sixers lost to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, when Embiid shot 4-for-21 from the field, the former NBA MVP noted that the next major step in his knee-management program would be playing twice within a three-day span.

The Sixers had four days off following that defeat to the Lakers, and after Friday’s game against the Pacers, they will prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday before another four-day break.

Maxey, who leads the NBA in both total minutes and minutes per game, is the only member of the 76ers to appear in every contest this season. He has been listed on the injury report twice, both in late November, but did not miss time on either occasion as he continues to prove his durability.

Despite the Lakers playing remarkably well, there are factors to consider. While the Sixers started the regular season strongly, their performance has shifted, and they now strive to regain momentum to secure a playoff spot next year.

With a 16-6 record, the LeBron-led Lakers have sparked significant buzz throughout the league. James, however, has not fully showcased his abilities this season due to injuries early on and recent challenges with the Lakers, with Luka Doncic emerging as the standout player on the roster.

Meanwhile, the Sixers, led by Tyrese Maxey, with Joel Embiid and Paul George contributing, hold a 13-9 record, a notably better start compared to last season when they were far behind a good performance.

Is LeBron James playing tonight for the Lakers?

LeBron James is starting tonight for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite being initially listed as questionable due to a knee/sciatica injury he is currently managing, The King was ultimately cleared to play. Meanwhile, Marcus Smart is out for the game against the Sixers due to a back injury. Here’s the Lakers lineup: Doncic, Reaves, LeBron, Hachimura, Ayton.

Is Paul George playing tonight for the Sixers?

Paul George will suit up for the Philadelphia 76ers tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers. Also listed as questionable at first, he was ultimately cleared to play.

Is Joel Embiid playing tonight for the Sixers?

Joel Embiid’s status for tonight’s game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers was uncertain, as he was listed as questionable too. However, just like LeBron and George, Embiid will show up tonight. Sixers’ lineup: Maxey, Edgecombe, George, Barlow, Embiid.

Embiid has been upgraded to questionable, but with injuries to both knees, he might still miss his second straight game. Meanwhile, Paul George has joined him on the injury report and is officially ruled out with a left knee issue, according to Underdog NBA. The veteran forward played in the 76ers’ win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, logging 18 minutes with 11 points, five rebounds, one steal and shooting 4-for-10 from the field, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.

On the other side, Golden State has a sizable injury report going into its visit to Philadelphia on Thursday, Dec. 4. One of them, Jimmy Butler, is officially out for today’s match, according to Anthony Slater.

It will be a tough matchup for both franchises if multiple stars sit out. The 76ers still have Tyrese Maxey, who continues carrying the team and can take over games, but to beat the Warriors, he will need help. Golden State also has injury concerns, but the Warriors still delivered a strong performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder even without their top talent.

Butler’s numbers and his importance

Butler has appeared in 20 games for the Warriors this season. He is averaging 19.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5 assists while shooting 51.9% from the field and 43.9% from three. With Stephen Curry currently out, Golden State will rely heavily on Butler if they want to knock off the 76ers and bounce back. Steve Kerr’s squad enters the night with an 11-11 record.

The Warriors’ surprising rotation choices

Even without Butler in the second half, the Warriors did not use Jonathan Kuminga in the fourth quarter against the Thunder. Moses Moody played only one minute in the final frame. Pat Spencer, Seth Curry, Gary Payton II, and Buddy Hield earned extra minutes thanks to a dominant 44-point third quarter. Brandin Podziemski also played a key role, as Kerr leaned on a guard-heavy lineup that nearly snapped OKC’s win streak.

How the 76ers arrive

The 76ers enter this matchup coming off a blowout 121-102 victory over the Washington Wizards. Maxey exploded for 35 points, while Dominick Barlow and Andre Drummond each added 12 to help secure Philadelphia’s 11th win of the NBA season.

In an announcement made on X, the NBA disclosed, “The NBA announced today that the Philadelphia 76ers have been fined $100,000 for violating league injury reporting rules. The 76ers failed to accurately disclose the game availability status of Joel Embiid prior to their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 30.”

With the announcement of the fine, the NBA clarified the situation that transpired before the game against the Hawks, were Joel Embiid’s injury status changed unexpectedly, ultimately leading to his participation in the clash with Atlanta.

“Embiid was listed as ‘Out’ in Philadelphia’s initial injury report and subsequently played in the game. The fine accounts for the 76ers’ previous history of infractions concerning injury reporting rules,” the NBA stated in their announcement regarding the penalty imposed on the Sixers.

Embiid’s impact on the game against the Hawks

Although Embiid did not make a significant impact as the Sixers fell to the Hawks, his presence on the court is invaluable to the team, serving as a natural leader for his teammates.

During 30 minutes of play, he scored 18 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and provided 2 assists. Additionally, he contributed 1 steal and 1 block. While his performance wasn’t game-changing for the Sixers, they maintain a positive record of 11-9.

In this context, the Sixers lean on the leadership of other key players such as Tyrese Maxey, who has emerged as a roster standout, especially after Paul George’s recent return from injury and Embiid’s inconsistent performance this regular season.