Shams:

“My understanding is even the Philadelphia 76ers don’t know exactly when Joel Embiid is going to play, when he’s not gonna be playing” pic.twitter.com/5OxTOhN7pU

— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) September 26, 2025

While his basketball career is nothing if not complicated, Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid has a simple task this year: Stay healthy.

This is nothing news for Embiid, of course. When healthy, he is one of the most dominant players in the league. But plagued by various injuries, the 2023 NBA MVP has struggled to stay on the floor for a sustained period of time. Can he turn it around this year as Philadelphia looks to bounce back from a disastrous season?

Coming into training camp, Embiid physically looks the part. He is noticeably slimmer and seems to have the right approach to maximize his talent. But he needs to do more than just look the part. He also needs to make sure that he avoids missed time but the 76ers cannot afford to compete this season without his presence.

Embiid appeared relaxed and transparent as he told reporters it’s a “different story” from last season, when he was not sure what he was able to do physically.

He said he feels “pretty good” and that he has already made a lot of progress. Here is more from the big man:

“Going forward, we’re just going to listen to the body. I’ll be honest and say that it’s gonna be unpredictable at times, and that’s okay … Every single time we’re on the right path, keep going. And if there’s something that happens in that time, it’s okay. Focus on fixing it and keep going. That’s my mentality.”

This is candid and insightful, though far from definitive. He knows this is unpredictable, which is why he was unable to provide a definitive timetable for his return.

Instead, he is taking it day-by-day and that there’s “not necessarily an expectation” about when he can play.

ESPN’s Shams Charania added that the 76ers do not have an understanding of when Embiid is able to get back on the court.

As noted by Charania, there was “frustration” in the locker room and the coaching staff about his availability.

It is unclear if that mood will return this season but according to 76ers executive Daryl Morey, team doctors advise that Embiid simply listen to his body. That may mean less time on the court than some might hope, but it’s probably better than rushing him back too soon.

Whenever he can return, all that matters is that they need to keep him on the court for as long as possible.