{"id":694765,"date":"2026-04-02T22:31:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T22:31:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/694765\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T22:31:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T22:31:16","slug":"76ers-fans-react-to-joel-embiid-announcement-before-wizards-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/694765\/","title":{"rendered":"76ers Fans React to Joel Embiid Announcement Before Wizards Game"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Joel\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Philadelphia 76ers<\/a> fans were confused by the messaging coming from the team and its star center, Joel Embiid, on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Ahead of the April 1 matchup against the Washington Wizards<\/a>, the Sixers planned to have Joel Embiid on the court.<\/p>\n

The initial injury report didn\u2019t include the star center. Lately, Embiid has been dealing with an oblique strain. He\u2019s had some notable knee issues throughout the year, and admitted he was sick after the Monday night Miami Heat<\/a> loss.<\/p>\n

Hours before the Sixers and the Wizards tipped off, Embiid was downgraded on the injury report. He was ruled out due to an illness.<\/p>\n

Embiid then took to social media to deny his status.<\/p>\n

\"Philadelphia<\/p>\n

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA \u2013 OCTOBER 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after making a basket against the Charlotte Hornets<\/a> in the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 25, 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 Mitchell Leff\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

via Joel Embiid on X<\/a>: Must be APRIL FOOLS joke???? Played against Miami in the same conditions and I\u2019m planning to play tonight!!! #SweatItOut<\/p>\n

While Embiid left everybody thinking that the injury report status was incorrect, the Sixers never changed the star center\u2019s stance. Nick Nurse addressed reporters before the game and confirmed Embiid would not play.<\/p>\n

The star center went to social media once again.<\/p>\n

via Embiid on X<\/a>: I guess they won\u2019t let me play basketball!!<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how NBA<\/a> fans reacted to Embiid\u2019s confusing announcement.<\/p>\n

NBA Fans React To The Latest Joel Embiid Saga
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA \u2013 JANUARY 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the Houston Rockets<\/a> at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 22, 2026 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)<\/p>\n

\u201cCheck the date,\u201d Zeruma_ said on Reddit<\/a>, pointing to it being April Fool\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not called Troel Embiid for no reason!\u201d ojseye added<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact that people tolerate his B\u2019s is beyond me. Mofo missed half a 12 year career and is trolling about it. Get him tfo,\u201d said BstrdSunOffJfffrsun wrote on Reddit<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIm just glad hes just sick and still in good spirits. I thought maybe he tweaked something on that blocked 3 when he landed,\u201d added ihorsey10<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cJosh Harris didnt want to pay the $100k fine,\u201d igwt097 said on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey hate the process,\u201d cbain100 said on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes it\u2019s just not your fault\ud83d\udc94,\u201d added phacelord__<\/a>.<\/p>\n

No Embiid? No Problem
\n\"Joel<\/p>\n

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA \u2013 DECEMBER 07: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> at Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 07, 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)<\/p>\n

The Sixers are clearly much better with Embiid on the court. But for Wednesday, they could handle business without him.<\/p>\n

The 76ers dominated the Wizards with a 153-131 victory.<\/p>\n

Paul George posted a season-high 39 points in 30 minutes. Tyrese Maxey accounted for 28 points, nine assists, and two rebounds in 34 minutes.<\/p>\n

The rookie VJ Edgecombe had the Sixers\u2019 third 20-point-plus outing with 23 points. He secured the double-double with 10 assists.<\/p>\n

Embiid hasn\u2019t been ruled out for the Sixers\u2019 April 3 matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a>, but he is doubtful to make his return on Friday.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJustin Grasso<\/a> 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<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Sixers\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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