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Sixers All-Star big man, Joel Embiid
The Philadelphia 76ers will get a chance to bounce back on Wednesday night.
Heading into their April 1 matchup against the Washington Wizards, the Sixers are coming off a tough loss against the Miami Heat.
The team struggled against the 40-36 Heat, taking on a 119-109 loss.
With each game holding notable weight for the Sixers, Wednesday’s game is a prime opportunity for the Sixers to get within 0.5 games of the Toronto Raptors, who hold the Eastern Conference’s sixth seed.
The Atlanta Hawks have a 1.5-game lead over the Sixers going into Wednesday’s action.
76ers Announce Starting Lineup vs Washington Wizards
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 17: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the second half of a game against the LA Clippers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 17, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Sixers will start Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George, Dominick Barlow, and Adem Bona.
Heading into Wednesday’s action, the Sixers initially planned to have Joel Embiid on the court.
Lineup alert: Sixers will start Maxey, Edgecombe, George, Barlow, Bona on Wednesday.
Despite dealing with an illness throughout Monday’s game against Miami, Embiid was planning to play through his setback in Washington, DC. He was left off the injury report on Tuesday night.
However, the Sixers downgraded Embiid on the morning of the matchup. According to the official NBA injury report, Embiid was listed as out, due to an illness. Embiid took to social media to deny the status.
via Joel Embiid on X: Must be APRIL FOOLS joke???? Played against Miami in the same conditions and I’m planning to play tonight!!! #SweatItOut
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Onyeka Okongwu #17 and Keaton Wallace #2 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Embiid recently returned from a month-long absence due to an oblique strain. He appeared in three games (vs. the Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, and the Miami Heat).
This season, Embiid has appeared in 36 games. He posted averages of 26.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. He is shooting 49.5% from the field and 34.0% from three.
Without Embiid, the Sixers are searching for their 42nd win of the year. They are taking on a 17-58 Washington Wizards team. Washington is currently on a three-game skid, with just one win over their last 10 games.
The two teams are tipping off at 7 PM ET.
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Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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