While Joel Embiid hasn’t missed any action since making his 2026 NBA Playoff debut, that doesn’t mean he isn’t taking tough bumps throughout the postseason, which could affect his play over time.
During Monday night’s Game 1 against the New York Knicks, Embiid took a notable hit to the stomach from Mikal Bridges.
After it went down, the star center was clearly dealing with some discomfort. Following the matchup, Embiid spoke on the incident.
Joel Embiid Addresses Hit From Mikal Bridges
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives against Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“I got hit on it,” Embiid told reporters, according to Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire.
“I don’t know if it was—obviously, based on what’s been going on. I guess I got to protect it more. I don’t know if it was dirty or not. I guess I gotta do a better job of protecting my, yeah, especially that part.”
When Embiid made his late playoff debut this season, he was 17 days removed from surgery. During the final week of the 2025-2026 regular season, Embiid dealt with appendicitis. He missed the final few games of the year, the NBA Play-In game, and the first three games of the Sixers’ first-round series against the Boston Celtics.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 02: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Since making his postseason debut, Embiid has dealt with some minor concerns beyond where he had surgery. During Game 5 against the Celtics, Embiid briefly left the game with a suspected knee injury. It wasn’t a lingering concern.
In Game 7 on Saturday, it appeared that Embiid might have suffered another knee injury after Tyrese Maxey was pushed into him. The knee wasn’t discussed by the 76ers. Instead, Embiid was on the injury report with a hip-related issue. The big man was probable to play, and did.
The 76ers Go Down For Game 1
Embiid checked in for just 25 minutes on Monday. He scored only 14 points on 3-11 shooting from the field. Eight of Embiid’s points came from the charity stripe. He also had four rebounds and one assist.
The Sixers fell short against the Knicks with a 137-98 blowout loss.
Going into Game 2, which takes place on Wednesday, Embiid’s status will be in question until the 76ers say otherwise. The veteran center didn’t suggest he’s dealing with a setback; the injury report will make it official on Tuesday evening.