In the postgame press conference, Mitch Johnson did offer an injury update. “No. I think it would be a positive that he felt like he could come back and he played the last four or five minutes in the first half. So, that’s a positive from my perspective.”

Victor Wembanyama suffered a left rib contusion, per NBA insider Brett Siegel. He initially grabbed his left shoulder in pain, but the injury was later identified around his midsection.

The Spurs situation

San Antonio sits at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings behind the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City can secure the top seed with just two more wins.

Victor Wembanyama has raised his scoring average to 24.9 points per game this season, fueling MVP conversations across the league. The priority now is keeping him healthy with the NBA playoffs approaching, as Wembanyama is expected to be a key contender.

He recorded 17 points against Philadelphia before exiting early, reaching that total in just 16 minutes of action. He also added five rebounds and three blocks, shooting 7-of-11 from the field.

The Spurs led 85-80 through three quarters at home against the Philadelphia 76ers, and Wembanyama remained the team’s leading scorer despite leaving the game.

Edwards had recently returned from a six-game absence to play 23 minutes against the Mavericks, but the combined knee issue and illness forced him back to the sidelines.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch confirmed that the illness was the primary factor in his late scratch against Detroit. Despite the issue, Minnesota will count on its star for tonight’s matchup vs Philadelphia.

Edwards ineligible for NBA postseason awards

By returning for the recent matchup against the Mavericks, Edwards briefly kept his hopes alive for NBA end-of-season honors. However, following his absence in the subsequent game against the Pistons, the Timberwolves star has officially been ruled ineligible for major awards, including All-NBA and MVP consideration.

The NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement requires players to participate in at least 65 games to qualify for postseason accolades. Edwards has appeared in 59 games so far this season, with six games remaining on Minnesota’s schedule.

While mathematically he could reach 65 total appearances, the Minnesota star logged only three minutes in a game against the Pacers, which does not meet the league’s criteria to count as a full game played for award eligibility. This leaves him with the possibility of appearing in a maximum of only 64 regular-season games, one short of the NBA’s mandatory threshold.

Edwards’ massive season

Despite battling persistent knee issues recently, Anthony Edwards is putting together a dominant campaign as the undisputed leader of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In the 59 games he has played so far this season, Ant-Man has averaged 29.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals. His efficiency has also reached an elite level, posting career-high shooting marks of 49.3% from the field and 40.4% from behind the arc.

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.

“Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. George’s suspension will begin with tonight’s game between the 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans at Xfinity Mobile Arena,” the NBA stated in an official release on Saturday.

The news comes as a major blow to the 76ers just as George had found his rhythm following an early-season injury. The nine-time All-Star has been productive in his 16th season, averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists through 27 games.

George takes full responsibility

The former Indiana Pacers star provided a statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania, explaining that the violation stemmed from “improper medication” taken while seeking treatment for his mental health. George apologized to the organization, his teammates, and the fans, taking full responsibility for the error.

“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” George said via Charania.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process. I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return,” the report read.

When could George return?

This absence is particularly sensitive for the 76ers, as the trio of George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey had finally reached full health and were beginning to gel on the court. The financial hit is also substantial; George is set to forfeit roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary.

George will not be eligible to return until March 25, when Philadelphia host the Chicago Bulls at the Wells Fargo Center. By the time he returns, only 10 games will remain in the regular season, meaning the 76ers’ postseason seeding could largely be decided by the time he steps back onto the hardwood.

Here’s a list of every game George will miss during his 25-game suspension:

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.

Some NBA teams have endured stretches where losses accumulated game after game, turning competitive seasons into record-setting slides. These streaks often unfolded amid roster instability and rebuilding efforts that failed to gain traction.

The longest losing streaks reveal more than poor results. They highlight moments when teams struggled to adjust, coaching changes came too late and morale declined as defeats became routine across weeks of regular-season play.

From expansion-era franchises to modern rebuilds, some prolonged downturns remain part of the league’s statistical record, serving as stark reminders of how quickly seasons can unravel when losses refuse to stop.

Which NBA teams have the longest losing streaks?

In NBA history, two franchises sit atop the list for the most consecutive regular-season losses: the Philadelphia 76ers and the Detroit Pistons, each with 28 straight defeats.

Philadelphia’s skid stretched across two seasons, beginning in March 2015 and ending in December 2015, while Detroit’s occurred in the 2023–24 season, tying the all-time mark within one campaign.

Philadelphia’s infamous run came during the height of the club’s “Process” era, a period defined by rebuilding and roster overhaul. After finishing the 2014–15 regular season with a woeful record, the Sixers carried their slide into the next season, ultimately snapping the streak with a 103–91 victory over the Lakers on December 1, 2015.

That prolonged downturn has since become a cautionary tale about extended adversity and franchise strategy. Detroit’s descent in 2023–24 was historic in its own right: the Pistons lost 28 consecutive games in a single season, setting the longest losing streak within one campaign in league history.

Their skid began with a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 30, 2023, and didn’t finally end until December 30, 2023 with a dramatic overtime win over the Toronto Raptors.

Behind these franchise lows, several other teams have also endured notable stretches of defeat. The Cleveland Cavaliers and a 2013–14 iteration of the Sixers each lost 26 straight games, while teams like the Vancouver Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets and Charlotte Bobcats have 23-game losing streaks on their records.

There is encouraging news for the 76ers, as Edgecombe (illness) is listed as probable for Friday’s game against the Bulls. He was previously questionable but made it through shootaround without setbacks. Additionally, Dominick Barlow (illness) and Quentin Grimes (illness) have also been upgraded to probable.

The 76ers will rely on one of their top performers this season, behind Tyrese Maxey, to pursue victory—especially since it remains unclear if Joel Embiid will play today, as he is also listed on the injury report.

All eyes will be on the injury report to determine if Embiid and Edgecombe take the court. Coming off Tuesday’s loss to the Nets, Embiid led the team with 27 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Paul George added 19 points and four rebounds.

How the Bulls arrive

Chicago enters Friday’s NBA matchup with a 14-15 record after a road win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Josh Giddey spearheaded the Bulls with a 19-point, 11-rebound, 15-assist triple-double, while Coby White added 24 points and four assists.

Players ready to step up in case of absences

If Embiid is sidelined against the Bulls, Andre Drummond is likely to start in his place, with Adem Bona also potentially seeing increased minutes, particularly with Dominick Barlow still dealing with an illness.

Similarly, if Edgecombe cannot play on Friday, Jared McCain may earn a start, while Justin Edwards and Jabari Walker could see expanded roles during the absence of VJ.