Joel Embiid Dealing with New Injury, Latest Updates and Timeline for 76ers Star
The Philadelphia 76ers announced that star center Joel Embiid will miss the team's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday due to right shin soreness, per Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports.
The issue surfaced while Embiid was already participating in a right knee injury management program during the All-Star break.
He'll be reevaluated by the team prior to a set of back-to-back games against the New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves beginning on Saturday, via Neubeck.
Embiid has only appeared in 31 of Philadelphia's first 54 games this season, as the team has managed his playing time while he deals with right knee soreness.
The 2023 MVP recently felt sore in the same knee during the 76ers' 109-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 7 before sitting out for a matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers two days later, per ESPN's Tim Bontemps.
On Feb. 11, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse told reporters that Embiid's knee was "improving" and the time off for the All-Star break would help his recovery.
Despite dealing with several health issues in recent years, Embiid has remained a key piece for the 76ers when healthy.
He's averaged 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 blocks in 31.4 minutes per game to open the 2025-26 season. The seven-time All-Star also shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 32.0 percent from three-point territory.
Embiid's plus-6.1 net rating is the highest among all 76ers players to appear in at least 10 games this season (via NBA.com).
With the 31-year-old sidelined, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will receive larger roles as part of Philadelphia's center rotation.
Tip-off against Atlanta on Thursday is at 7 p.m. ET.
