76ers Make Surprising Joel Embiid Decision vs Wizards

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Joel Embiid puts together strong outing in his return to action.

Going into another road game against the Washington Wizards, the Philadelphia 76ers made a surprising change on the injury report.

Initially, the veteran center, Joel Embiid, was expected to play.

The team did not list Embiid on the injury report, despite the fact that he’s been dealing with multiple setbacks lately.

That changed on Wednesday morning.

via Ky Carlin, Sixers Wire: Per the #Sixers, Joel Embiid is OUT tonight against the Wizards due to an illness

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball against Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls in the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 25, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bulls 157-137. 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)

Following the Sixers’ recent loss against the Miami Heat, Embiid revealed that he was dealing with an illness going into the game.

“Terrible. Well, first, I wish I wasn’t sick, So, maybe that would have helped to play better. So, physically, I just was not in it, and then secondly, obviously, if the first part was better, then I guess I would have had more energy to do all the things. So yeah, just gotta take off myself and get out of it and play better.” via Sixers Wire

Embiid struggled against the Heat on Monday night.

Checking in for 34 minutes, the star center shot 10-25 from the field. He scored 26 points, coming down with seven rebounds and producing three assists. The Sixers lost to the Heat 119-109.

Before the Heat game, Embiid returned from a long absence due to an oblique strain. He suffered that injury during a game against the Heat back on February 26.

A 13-game stretch of absences was in store for Embiid at the time. Since returning, Embiid has shot 49.2% from the field to produce 30.0 points per game, along with 6.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists.

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 30, 2025 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)

In 36 games this year, Embiid has posted averages of 26.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks.

Wednesday’s game will mark the first absence for Embiid since March 23 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He recently played in three games, facing the Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, and the Heat.

The Sixers and the Wizards are slated for a 7 PM ET tip on Wednesday night.

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