Joel Embiid injury update (Image via NBA) Joel Embiid will not play Monday afternoon when the Philadelphia 76ers face the Charlotte Hornets on January 26. The team has ruled him out due to left knee injury management, keeping him sidelined for the front end of a back-to-back.Philadelphia is in Charlotte for a 3:00 PM ET tipoff before returning home to face Milwaukee on Tuesday. Embiid played Saturday against New York and delivered one of his best games of the season, finishing with 38 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. With another game coming less than 24 hours later, the team chose rest over risk.
Schedule Factors Behind the Decision
This is a familiar situation for Embiid and the Sixers. Over the past two seasons, he has regularly sat out one game of back-to-back sets as part of a planned approach to managing his knee. Monday’s absence follows that pattern, especially after logging heavy minutes over the weekend.Philadelphia’s priority remains keeping Embiid available for bigger matchups and the stretch run rather than pushing him through a condensed schedule in January.
Joel Embiid’s Injury Report and Lineup Notes vs Charlotte Hornets (January 26, 2026)
Joel Embiid is officially listed as out with left knee injury management on the NBA injury report released at 12:15 PM ET. Paul George will also miss the game with a left knee issue, leaving the Sixers without two of their top frontcourt options.Kelly Oubre Jr., who has been wearing a knee brace, is available to play. His presence helps stabilize the rotation, but the team will still need to adjust on both ends of the floor.
Joel Embiid’s Season to Date
Through 40 games, Embiid is averaging 25.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 48.6 percent from the field. His overall numbers reflect a season slowed early by knee trouble.Recently, he has looked much closer to form. His last four games produced 38, 32, 30, and 33 points, showing that the scoring and control are still there when his body allows it.
What It Means Against Charlotte Hornets
With Joel Embiid and George out, Philadelphia 76ers enter the game as underdogs. Charlotte is favored by 3.5 points, a swing driven largely by the absences.Quentin Grimes is expected to take on a larger role and has averaged 15.0 points in games Embiid has missed. Tyrese Maxey will lead the offense as the Sixers try to stay competitive despite a thin lineup.Also read: Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 26, 2026)Joel Embiid is expected back Tuesday against Milwaukee. Monday’s decision reflects a long-term view rather than a short-term gamble, as Philadelphia continues to balance health and results in a tight playoff race.