Joel Embiid Sidelined: 76ers Star Misses 3+ Games with Oblique Strain

Joel Embiid sidelined

Joel Embiid suffers right oblique strain, misses Celtics, Spurs, and Jazz games. Misses Celtics, Spurs, and Jazz games.

“The media make it seem like he don't want to play basketball...”

Joel Embiid, the star big man of the Philadelphia 76ers, is sidelined for at least three games due to a right oblique strain. The 31-year-old didn't participate in Saturday's practice, and the team reported increased soreness in his right side after the injury occurred during Thursday's win over the Miami Heat.

Embiid had a notable performance in that game, scoring 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, despite playing through discomfort. He's been reevaluated, and an MRI confirmed the oblique strain. The Sixers will miss him for games against the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and Utah Jazz before reassessing his condition.

Joel Embiid suffered a right oblique strain in the first half against Miami but played through the pain to finish with 26 points and 11 rebounds, including a game-sealing three-pointer with under 30 seconds left.

An MRI confirmed the strain, and Embiid will miss at least the next three games, starting with Sunday's matchup against the Boston Celtics in Boston. He'll also miss games against the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz before being reevaluated.

Joel Embiid, the Cameroon-born star who won Olympic gold with Team USA in 2024, has a history of injuries in the NBA. He just got back on Tuesday after missing five games due to a stress reaction in his right shin and knee issues.

Embiid played through some discomfort in Thursday's win over the Heat but is now dealing with a right oblique strain. The 76ers are taking precautions, and he'll be out for at least three games. 

Embiid's injury history is no secret – he's had multiple knee surgeries and played just 19 games last season. He was already managing shin and knee issues but returned to play Thursday's game against Miami.

Rookie teammate FJ Edgecombe praised Embiid's effort, saying he wanted to be on the floor with his teammates, which is why he powered through the game despite the pain. 

“The media make it seem like he don't want to play basketball,” Edgecombe said. “Like, come on. He's out there in pain, and he made a big shot at the end of the game. He barely could raise his right hand up. But that shows his character, too. He cares about winning.”

Joel Embiid will miss at least the next 3 games with an oblique injury.

From the Sixers:
An MRI today revealed that Joel Embiid suffered a strained right oblique.
...
Embiid will miss the team’s next three games and be reevaluated following the upcoming back-to-back.

— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) February 28, 2026

Joel Embiid's latest absence comes as the Philadelphia 76ers are clinging to sixth place in the Eastern Conference, just 1.5 games ahead of Orlando for the final direct playoff spot. Adding to their challenges, nine-time All-Star Paul George is sidelined until March 25, serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug program.

The Sixers are managing without George, who took an improper medication, and are now dealing with Embiid's right oblique strain.