{"id":694968,"date":"2026-04-03T00:50:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T00:50:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/694968\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T00:50:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T00:50:25","slug":"joel-embiid-gets-strong-message-from-stephen-a-smith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/694968\/","title":{"rendered":"Joel Embiid Gets Strong Message From Stephen A. Smith"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Stephen\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

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith during Game Three of the NBA Finals.<\/p>\n

On April Fool\u2019s Day, Philadelphia 76ers<\/a> center Joel Embiid left many NBA fans confused about his availability for Wednesday\u2019s game against the Washington Wizards.<\/p>\n

When the Sixers released the initial injury report for the game on Tuesday night, Embiid was available to play.<\/p>\n

On the morning of the game, the star center was downgraded to out due to an illness. When a reporter relayed the announcement, Joel Embiid pushed back.<\/p>\n

via Joel Embiid on X:<\/a> \u201cMust be APRIL FOOLS joke???? Played against Miami in the same conditions and I\u2019m planning to play tonight!!! #SweatItOut\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA \u2013 JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks<\/a> at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 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

The report correctly stated that Embiid was listed as out throughout the afternoon. Hours before the game, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse confirmed that Embiid was out of the lineup.<\/p>\n

Shortly after, Embiid sent another message on X: \u201cI guess they won\u2019t let me play basketball!!\u201d<\/p>\n

After causing a stir over his availability for what became a blowout Sixers win over the Wizards, Embiid was called out by ESPN\u2019s Stephen A. Smith.<\/p>\n

What Did Stephen A. Smith Say About Joel Embiid?
\n\"Stephen<\/p>\n

GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA \u2013 FEBRUARY 05: Stephen A. Smith speaks at SiriusXM on Radio Row at Super Bowl LX on February 05, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Cindy Ord\/Getty Images for SiriusXM)<\/p>\n

\u201cI love me some Joel Embiid, not just as a player, but as a person. Really good guy. Stop clapping back and paying attention to reporters, especially since every time you do something like that, you end up getting hurt again,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n

\u201cInjuries are the only thing we can question about Joel Embiid, his availability. The brother is a stud, a superstar and a preeminent big man. One of the best that we\u2019ve ever seen in this game, when he\u2019s 80%, let alone 100%, but your health is an issue throughout your entire career. Stop clapping back at guys when it comes to your availability, because you don\u2019t even know when you\u2019re going to be available half the time because of your injuries.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embiid\u2019s availability is by far his biggest weakness as an NBA player. That was the case at the start of his career, as he missed his first two seasons after getting drafted third overall.<\/p>\n

During his debut season, Embiid played in just 31 games. It wasn\u2019t until the MVP-winning season in 2022-2023 that he finally crossed 65 games in a single year.<\/p>\n

Since then? 39 games in 2023-2024. 19 games in 2024-2025. 36 games in 2025-2026, with just six games left.<\/p>\n

When it comes to what Embiid brings to the court when he is healthy, there\u2019s no debate that he\u2019s among the best in the league. As he battled through multiple setbacks this season, the star center still posted averages of 26.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.<\/p>\n

Still, the injury concerns loom. The Sixers are hoping to get a fully healthy run out of Embiid in the playoffs this season. He has a lot to prove on that front.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/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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