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Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City.
As the Philadelphia 76ers get prepared for the San Antonio Spurs, they landed great news on the injury front heading into their Monday night matchup.
According to the Sixers’ official injury report, Joel Embiid is not listed. Therefore, he is officially cleared to make his return.
While every Embiid update comes with caution (he was downgraded after being left off last Wednesday), the Sixers’ big man hasn’t suffered any known setbacks recently.
In fact, he expressed frustration with his inability to get clearance against the Washington Wizards last week.
“I was pissed off, wanted to play basketball. I wasn’t allowed to play basketball. So, I think this is more of a question on Daryl Morey and whoever makes the decisions,” Embiid told reporters, following a Sixers win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 3.
Embiid dealt with an illness during the Sixers’ matchup against the Miami Heat last week, but it didn’t affect his status. After he missed a morning film session on Wednesday, the Sixers ruled him out due to illness.
Clearly, the star center disagreed with the decision.
Joel Embiid Sat Out vs Detroit Pistons
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)
After the Sixers took care of business against the Minnesota Timberwolves, they had to close out a back-to-back set against the Detroit Pistons over the weekend.
As expected, Embiid was not available to play. It’s been years since the star center has suited up for both matchups of a back-to-back set.
The Sixers were blown out by the Pistons with a score of 116-93. With that loss, the Sixers dropped to the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed.
Fortunately, a Toronto Raptors loss on Sunday did the Sixers a favor. Now, Philadelphia enters its Monday, April 6, matchup against the San Antonio Spurs as the sixth seed again. Every win carries weight in the playoff race.
Joel Embiid’s Presence Is A Major Advantage
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 01: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the second half of their game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on April 01, 2026 in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
It’s quite obvious the Sixers are much better with Embiid on the floor. His presence in any game will be a major boost, but the Sixers especially need Embiid against a dynamic center in Victor Wembanyama.
This season, Embiid has appeared in 37 games, seeing the court for 31.4 minutes per game.
The big man has averaged 26.7 points (49.1% FG, 33.3% 3PT), 7.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks.
The Sixers and the Spurs are slated for an 8 PM ET tip on Monday night.
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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