76ers offer encouraging Joel Embiid injury update ahead of 2025-26 season

The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a disappointing 2024-25 season, finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 24-58 record, despite high expectations after signing Paul George to a major contract last summer. Injuries played a significant role in their struggles, with key players including Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, and George himself all missing extended periods of time.

Joel Embiid's health has been a persistent concern throughout his career, as he has appeared in more than 65 regular-season games only twice. Most recently, he underwent arthroscopic surgery in April due to lingering left knee injuries, further highlighting his fragility. However, the 76ers recently shared footage of Embiid practicing without a knee brace, which is seen as an encouraging sign ahead of training camp for the 2025-26 season.

When on the court last season, Embiid averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, though he struggled with efficiency, shooting 44.4% from the field across 19 appearances. The team hopes to have him ready for the start of the regular season but will likely monitor his playing time carefully, especially in back-to-back games.

If Embiid can stay relatively healthy, the 76ers believe they have the pieces—including Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and No. 3 overall pick V.J. Edgecombe—to compete in a wide-open Eastern Conference. However, given that Embiid has played just 58 regular-season games over the past two years, his availability remains a major question mark. For Philadelphia, getting him to play 60-plus games, even in a limited capacity, would be considered a success as they aim to rebound from their injury-plagued previous campaign.