Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
October 2025
First game action since February yields 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals in 19 minutes versus Minnesota, completing a controlled ramp ahead of Boston. Nurse maintains short bursts and no fourth-quarter run, prioritising movement quality and recovery markers. Next step is minute stacking without setbacks as rotation cohesion firms up.
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
October 2025
Following steady camp participation after April knee surgery, Embiid starts the preseason finale and shifts focus to movement quality and minute tolerance before Boston on opening night. The goal is restoring near-peak two-way impact. Philadelphia will manage bursts, lateral tests and recovery responses. Nick Nurse plans regular-rotation minutes to build cohesion, with usage calibrated to avoid setbacks while integrating actions around Embiid’s elbow touches and short-roll playmaking.
Philadelphia 76ers
September 2025
The 76ers opened training camp without Quentin Grimes as his contract standoff continues. The guard has until October 1 to accept an $8.7m qualifying offer with no-trade clause, or hold out for a longer deal while his future remains unresolved. Embiid urged focus on “who’s here,” stressing it’s a business and players must prioritise families. He downplayed the distraction, recalling past holdouts by Simmons and Harden. Grimes, coming off a breakout season, remains central but negotiations risk disrupting preseason preparations.
Philadelphia 76ers
August 2025
SPN insiders ranked Philadelphia third most likely team to make a significant leap in standings, behind Spurs and Hawks. Injuries plagued their 2024-25 season, with the Sixers finishing 24-58 despite star power. Expectations hinge on health and cohesion of Embiid, George, and Maxey. Embiid’s fitness remains the biggest question mark after multiple knee surgeries and just 19 appearances last season. If George stays healthy and Maxey continues improving, Philadelphia could rise back into contention. Their depth and chemistry will be decisive in overcoming recent setbacks.
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
April 2025
Joel Embiid had successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and will be reevaluated in six weeks, capping a difficult, injury-riddled season for the 76ers star.
Limited to just 19 games due to multiple injuries and a suspension, Embiid’s latest setback comes as the Sixers finish a disappointing season. The injury-hit trio of Embiid, George, and Maxey played only 15 games together.
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Surgery set for next week; reevaluation in six weeks
Embiid will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, ending a season plagued by injuries and limited to just 19 games. He averaged 23.8 points and 8.2 rebounds, far below his MVP form.
Persistent knee issues since 2023 worsened after a collision with Jonathan Kuminga in January. Despite efforts to manage his load, the injury never healed, forcing him to shut down. The 76ers now face a 65% chance of keeping their top-six protected draft pick as they spiral down the standings.