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76ers offer encouraging Joel Embiid injury update ahead of 2025-26 season

The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a disastrous 2024-25 season in which they finished 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 24-58 record.

After signing Paul George to a four-year, $211.6 million contract last July, expectations were sky-high entering the season. However, injuries derailed the campaign, with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon and George all missing extended stretches.

Embiid's health, in particular, has remained a concern throughout his career. The 2023 MVP has appeared in more than 65 regular-season games just twice in his career. Most recently, lingering left knee injuries forced him to undergo arthroscopic surgery in April.

MORE: NBA writer urges 76ers to fire Nick Nurse despite mounting injuries

Sixers fans receive positive update

The 76ers recently shared footage of Embiid practicing without a knee brace, which is a promising sign ahead of training camp. The Sixers will hope to have him ready for the start of the regular-season, though they'll likely monitor his playing time — especially in back-to-back sets.

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— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) September 10, 2025

If Embiid can stay relatively healthy, Philadelphia has the pieces to make significant noise in a wide-open Eastern Conference. Still, he has appeared in just 58 regular-season games over the past two seasons, leaving his availability a major question mark.

The Kansas product was solid but struggled with efficiency when on the floor last season, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 44.4 percent from the field across 30.2 minutes per game in 19 appearances.

For the 76ers, getting Embiid to play 60-plus games would be a win, even in a somewhat limited capacity. With Embiid, George and a strong young core featuring Maxey, McCain and No. 3 overall pick V.J. Edgecombe, the team will look to rebound from its injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign this season.