The Philadelphia 76ers will be without star center Joel Embiid for Thursday night’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks (7 ET, League Pass), as the former MVP continues to deal with soreness in his right shin.
The team confirmed Embiid’s absence in an official statement, revealing that the issue surfaced during the All-Star break while he was undergoing a right knee injury management program.
“While participating in a right knee injury management program during the All-Star break, Joel Embiid reported soreness in his right shin. Following a consultation with doctors, Embiid has received daily treatment, while progressing through on-court work and strength conditioning. […] Further updates will be provided later this week,” the statement read.
Philadelphia added that Embiid will be reevaluated ahead of the team’s back-to-back set this weekend, leaving open the possibility of a near-term return depending on his response to treatment.
The absence comes at a crucial point in the season. The Sixers currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 30-24 record and are jockeying for playoff positioning. With the postseason race tightening, maintaining Embiid’s health remains a top priority for the franchise.
Despite managing injuries throughout the campaign, Embiid has continued to produce at an elite level. The former Kia NBA MVP is averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists across 31 games this season, anchoring both ends of the floor for Philadelphia.
His combination of scoring, interior presence and defensive impact has been central to the Sixers’ success. Without him in the lineup, the team will need other contributors to shoulder a larger offensive and defensive load against an Atlanta squad eager to climb the standings.
For now, the focus remains on Embiid’s recovery and ensuring that the shin soreness does not develop into a more serious setback. The coming days will determine whether the All-Star center can return in time for the weekend or if Philadelphia will have to navigate a longer stretch without its franchise cornerstone.
