{"id":697239,"date":"2026-04-04T04:49:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T04:49:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/697239\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T04:49:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T04:49:18","slug":"joel-embiid-sounds-off-on-recent-76ers-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/697239\/","title":{"rendered":"Joel Embiid Sounds Off on Recent 76ers Decision"},"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.<\/p>\n

The NBA world was confused about Joel Embiid\u2019s availability for the Philadelphia 76ers\u2019 game against the Washington Wizards<\/a>.<\/p>\n

At first, he was off the injury report, despite admitting that he was playing with an illness against the Miami Heat<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On the morning of the matchup against the Washington Wizards, Embiid was added to the report, listed as out. The head coach, Nick Nurse, would later state that Embiid could not make the morning film session.<\/p>\n

The veteran center called reports of his eventual absence an April Fool\u2019s joke. But the Sixers were serious. The team rolled without the superstar center against the Wizards, leaving Embiid to explain the situation on Friday, April 3.<\/p>\n

Joel Embiid Makes A Statement On His Absence in Washington\"Joel<\/p>\n

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA \u2013 JANUARY 14: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a> at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 14, 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

\u201cI was pissed off. I wanted to play basketball. I wasn\u2019t allowed to play basketball. So, I think this is more of a question on Daryl Morey and whoever makes the decisions,\u201d Embiid told reporters, following a Sixers win over the Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a> on April 3.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think going into Miami, I was pretty sick, but I understood how important the game was, and I still wanted to give us a chance to go out and try to do something because of how important the game was. I felt a little bit better going into Washington, definitely much better than I felt against Miami. I woke up, didn\u2019t sleep until probably, like, five in the morning or six. So, with that, I couldn\u2019t make it to shootaround. Then, after that, I found out online that I wasn\u2019t playing that night. So that kind of caught me off guard, and yeah, that pissed me off, but then again, I guess they make the decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joel Embiid was asked about why he didn\u2019t play against Washington on Wednesday. He did not hold back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was pissed off. I wanted to play basketball. I wasn\u2019t allowed to play basketball. I think this is more of a question for Daryl Morey.\u201d<\/p>\n

Full answer \ud83d\udc47 <\/p>\n

The Sixers managed to grab a win in Embiid\u2019s absence on Wednesday night.<\/p>\n

They dominated the Wizards with a 152-131 victory, picking up their third win in four games. Although Embiid was initially doubtful for Friday\u2019s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he would later get upgraded before ultimately playing.<\/p>\n

Joel Embiid Helps The Sixers Take Care Of Business\"\"<\/p>\n

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA \u2013 JANUARY 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the first half 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

The star center checked in for 34 minutes against the Timberwolves on Friday night.<\/p>\n

Embiid shot 6-17 from the field to score 19 points. He collected a double-double with 13 rebounds. Embiid also dished out seven assists and blocked three shots.<\/p>\n

The Sixers defeated the Timberwolves 115-103.<\/p>\n

With that win, the Sixers advanced to 43-34. They remain the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, while heading into their Saturday action against the Detroit Pistons<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More Sixers News<\/p>\n

Ex-76ers Standout Sends Clear Message Before NBA Free Agency<\/a><\/p>\n

Joel Embiid Gets Strong Message From Stephen A. Smith<\/a><\/p>\n

NBA Announces Critical Rankings for 76ers Rookie<\/a><\/p>\n

Ex-Sixers Player Makes New Statement After Viral Comment<\/a><\/p>\n

For the latest Philadelphia 76ers news and rumors, head over to Heavy on Sixers<\/a><\/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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