As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for their matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, injury concerns remain a key storyline. Coming off a dominant 153–131 win over the Washington Wizards, the Sixers are building strong momentum, highlighted by Paul George’s 39-point performance, along with five rebounds and six assists.
The team appears to be finding its rhythm at the right time as the postseason approaches. Currently sitting as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia trails the Atlanta Hawks by two games in a tightly contested race.
With several teams surging late in the season, the 76ers understand the importance of staying healthy and maintaining consistency down the stretch. A fully healthy roster could position them as a dangerous playoff contender.
Encouragingly, the team received positive news, as superstar center Joel Embiid has been upgraded to probable on the injury report after missing time due to an illness (h/t Derek Bodner, PHLY Sports).
As has been the case throughout his career, Embiid’s health remains a key factor for the 76ers. After undergoing left knee surgery in the past and dealing with multiple injuries, his availability has often been limited, preventing him from consistently playing in back-to-back games.
However, he appears to be trending in a positive direction as the regular season nears its conclusion. Embiid has played just 36 games this season, a relatively low total for the 32-year-old.
In those appearances, he is averaging 26.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, while shooting 49.5% from the field and 34.0% from 3-point range.
Despite the limited sample size, his production remains elite when healthy. If he can stay on the floor, Embiid will be a crucial piece for the 76ers as they look to build momentum heading into the postseason.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
(© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
Embiid has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier centers when healthy since being selected No. 3 overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. His résumé speaks for itself, highlighted by the 2022–23 MVP award, seven All-Star selections, five All-NBA honors, three All-Defensive Team nods, two scoring titles, and All-Rookie recognition in 2016–17.
Offensively, Embiid is a dominant force, combining elite post scoring with a polished mid-range game and excellent free-throw shooting, converting at over 80% from the line. His ability to operate both in the post and facing up makes him nearly impossible to guard. Defensively, he anchors the paint with rim protection, physicality, and the versatility to switch onto smaller players when needed.
Embiid signed a three-year, $192.9 million maximum extension in September 2024, keeping him under contract through the 2028–29 season and solidifying his role as the cornerstone of the 76ers’ future.
Related: Timberwolves Announce Anthony Edwards Injury Update After Pistons Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.