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Joel Embiid will miss consecutive games for the first time during the 2025-2026 NBA season. While the Philadelphia 76ers initially cleared the veteran center for action ahead of their Tuesday night matchup against the Boston Celtics, Embiid was ruled out hours after the team participated in its morning shootaround session. According to a team official, Embiid started experiencing knee soreness in his right knee, which is opposite from the knee he received multiple procedures on over the past two years. As a result, he’ll get evaluated by team doctors. The team will officially offer a follow-up medical update when “appropriate.” Before Tuesday’s action, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse addressed the setback. “We had shootaround today, obviously had a day off yesterday, he just reported a little soreness in his right knee. He had some imaging on that this afternoon, and the doctors are here tonight to go over that with him. Not [expecting] an urgent update, but this evening, yeah. No expectations at all. We’re going to see what they say about the imaging.” Nick Nurse says Joel Embiid reported soreness in his right knee. Had imaging this afternoon and the doctors are here at the arena to go over that with him. No update beyond that at this time.— Justin Grasso (@JGrasso_) November 11, 2025 Entering the 2024-2025 NBA season, Embiid missed a chunk of action before officially debuting on November 12. He would miss stretches of action over the first few months of the season. Following the Sixers’ February 22 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, Embiid decided to undergo another procedure. His final appearance included 31 minutes of action, where he scored 14 points, coming down with seven rebounds, and producing five assists. Related: Tyrese Maxey Joins 76ers’ Legend Amid Historic Start to NBA Season In total, Embiid played 19 games. He posted averages of 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists throughout the 2024-2025 NBA season. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 25: Dominick Barlow #25, Kyle Lowry #7, and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on from the bench against the Charlotte Hornets in the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 25, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 125-121. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) Heading into the 2025-2026 season, Embiid managed to appear in the Sixers’ first two games of the season. His first absence occurred on October 27 against the Orlando Magic. He was ruled out due to knee injury management. Since then, he appeared in four out of the next six games. Embiid’s last appearance happened on November 8. He took on the Toronto Raptors, checking in for 26 minutes. Shooting 62 percent from the field, the veteran center had his best scoring outing of the year, producing 29 points. He also came down with six rebounds and produced four assists. Overall, Embiid has appeared in six games this season. He is posting averages of 19.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks. Without a timeline in place, it’s unclear when Embiid will get back on the court. Following Tuesday’s action against the Celtics, the Sixers will pay a visit to the Detroit Pistons on Friday night for NBA Cup action. For more Philadelphia 76ers and NBA news, head over Newsweek Sports.
