Entering the 2025-26 NBA season, there was tenative hopes for the Philadelphia 76ers. After numerous injuries derailed the previous season, fans and media were looking forward to seeing how the latest blend of veterans and youth would blend on the court for the Sixers.

Many Philadelphia Sports Fans got their hopes sky high after the team started the season 4-0 and Joel Embiid played in four of the team’s first five games. But after a rollercoaster month of November with a 5-9 record, numerous fans turned their attention back to the Eagles’ ongoing season.

But Joel Embiid looked like he had a resurgence from December through early February, averaging 28.7 Points per Game in 24 games played. The 76ers won 16 out of 25 games from December 1st to February 7th, and positive vibes had returned for the fan base.

Suddenly, Embiid did not play for the final two games before the NBA All-Star Break because pf Knee Management and Rest

The initial assumption was that the 2022-23 NBA MVP Award winner would just get some extra rest, and be good to go when the team returned from the All-Star Break. But around 5 pm EST on Wednesday Evening, the following announcement was delivered to NBA Reporters:

“While participating in a right knee injury management program during the All-Star break, Joel Embiid reported soreness in his right shin. Following a consultation with doctors, Embiid has received daily treatment, while progressing through on-court work and strength and conditioning.
(Embiid) will be OUT of tomorrow night’s game vs. Atlanta and reevaluated ahead of the team’s back-to-back this weekend. Further updates will be provided later this week.”

According to Physical Therapy Doctors, Shin Pain after Knee Surgery can be the result of changing one’s walking style to compensate for any knee discomfort or the buildup of scar tissue in the area where the surgical incision occurred.

While in the most literal interpretation, dealing with “shin soreness” should not be a serious issue short or long term, for many NBA and Sixers fans, it is another exasperating chapter in the saga of Joel Embiid’s health.

The 76ers Center has not played in at least 60 games since the 2022-23 season, and played in a total of 58 games over the previous two seasons combined. While Embiid’s trainer Drew Hanlon explained in a recent interview that Joel will not play anymore unless he is truly healthy, Philadelphia Sports Fans are exhausted with the Joel Embiid health drama.

At least Sixers fans can still watch two of the best young players in the NBA today: All-Star Starting Guard Tyrese Maxey, and 2026 NBA Rising Stars MVP VJ Edgecombe:

The Best Philly Athletes Age 25 or Younger

Philadelphia has some great young athletes right now, from All-Star Tyrese Maxey to two first-round draft picks on the Eagles Defensive Line (Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter). In honor of the Philly Sports Youth Movement, here is my ranking of the Top Ten Philadelphia Professional Athletes who are 25 years old or younger:

Gallery Credit: Josh Hennig/Townsquare Media