The Philadelphia 76ers is the biggest fantasy game of the 2025-26 NBA season. Many fans believe this team has a legitimate chance to make the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in a quarter century, but that can only happen if Joel Embiid is healthy and playing at an impressive level. The former MVP-winning center has missed half the campaign and is currently dealing with an oblique strain. According to PhillyVoice's Adam Aaronson, he's still at least a week away from returning to the court.
Embiid has begun individual strength and conditioning work, but it remains to be seen when he will participate in practice. The Sixers will reevaluate their injury-plagued big man and hope for some good news.
Additionally, standout rookie VJ Edgecombe did not practice due to a back injury suffered Tuesday. His status for Saturday's road matchup vs. the Atlanta Hawks is uncertain. Fortunately, veteran forward Kelly Oubre Jr. was back in action after missing the last two contests due to illness. He is expected to take the field at State Farm Arena.
Philadelphia (34-28) has endured ups and downs all season, but this is not the ideal time to endure abundant adversity. Nick Nurse's team remains in sixth place in the East, trying hard to overcome the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat and scorching Charlotte Hornets.
With Paul George serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy, the 76ers need a healthy No. 21 even more.
76ers' Joel Embiid can still dominate opponents
Despite his obvious physical limitations, Embiid is still an offensive powerhouse on the floor. He is scoring 26.6 points per game while shooting 49.5 percent from the field this season.
Before suffering his latest setback, the two-time scoring champion was beginning to find his rhythm from 3-point range. He missed 42.9 percent of his attempts from distance in five February games. If Joel Embiid is shooting from all spots on the hardwood, this group can compete with anyone in the conference. Defenses will be pushed to their limits trying to stop five-time All-NBA selection Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Paul George.
But how many more “ifs” can fans endure? He has experienced firsthand the heartache that can come from setting high expectations. Regardless of how Embiid progresses through his recovery, the Sixers are having an entertaining campaign that should leave the city feeling optimistic about the long-term future of the franchise.
Nobody wants to admit it, but at this point, everything else will be a bonus. This is just the reality of the situation.
