Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has been ruled out of Thursday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks due to a right knee injury, the latest in a string of health problems that have plagued the All-NBA player throughout his career. Embiid’s inability to stay healthy for full playoff runs has been a source of frustration for the Sixers, who have underperformed in the postseason despite Embiid’s MVP-caliber production when on the court.

Why it matters

Embiid’s health is crucial to the 76ers’ championship aspirations, as the team has struggled to make deep playoff runs during his tenure despite his individual dominance. The Sixers’ backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe provides promise for the future, but Philadelphia’s title hopes hinge on Embiid’s ability to stay on the floor for an entire postseason.

The details

Embiid, who has missed significant time in several seasons due to various injuries, told his longtime trainer Drew Hanlen that he would trade his MVP award for one healthy postseason run, believing that if he’s fully healthy, he can carry the 76ers to an NBA championship. In his 10 seasons with Philadelphia, the team has made seven playoff appearances but has failed to advance past the conference semifinals. The last time the 76ers made the postseason in 2024, Embiid averaged 33 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game in a first-round loss to the Celtics.

Embiid has been ruled out of Thursday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks due to a right knee injury.The 76ers last made the playoffs in 2024, where they lost in the first round to the Celtics.
The players

Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers’ franchise cornerstone and All-NBA center who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, missing significant time in several seasons.

Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers’ starting guard who is averaging 28.9 points per game and has scored 30+ points in 19 of his 52 games this season.

VJ Edgecombe

The 76ers’ rookie shooting guard who has proven to be one of the top players in his class, averaging 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

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What they’re saying

“I would trade my MVP for one healthy postseason run because I think that if I’m healthy, I’m dominant enough that I would carry us to win a championship.”

— Joel Embiid (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The 76ers will need to monitor Embiid’s recovery and hope he can return to the lineup soon, as the team looks to secure a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

Embiid’s inability to stay healthy for full postseason runs has been a major frustration for the 76ers, who have underperformed in the playoffs despite the All-Star’s MVP-caliber production when on the court. The team’s promising backcourt of Maxey and Edgecombe provides hope for the future, but Philadelphia’s championship aspirations hinge on Embiid’s ability to finally put together an injury-free playoff run.