Joel Embiid is reminding the league - and perhaps even the skeptics - that when he’s locked in, he’s still one of the most dominant forces in basketball. After a sluggish start to the season that had some questioning whether the former MVP was on the decline, Embiid has flipped the narrative with a January surge that’s re-energized the Sixers’ hopes for a deep playoff run.
But even as Embiid looks more like the version that won the scoring title and anchored Philly’s defense, the 76ers are staying grounded in reality. The big man suited up Monday night and helped power a 128-113 win over the Clippers, but he won’t be available for Tuesday’s road game against the Warriors. The team is sticking to its plan - managing Embiid’s right knee and avoiding back-to-back appearances, a cautious but necessary approach given his injury history.
Embiid has been transparent: back-to-backs likely aren’t in the cards for him this season. And with the playoffs in mind, it’s hard to argue with that strategy. The Sixers know their ceiling rises or falls with their All-NBA centerpiece, and they’re not about to jeopardize his availability in April and May for a regular-season sprint in February.
Golden State will also be without Stephen Curry, so this won’t be the marquee matchup fans might have circled on the calendar. But for Philly, the bigger picture is clear - protect Embiid now to unleash him when it matters most.
The numbers back up just how impactful he’s been during his recent run. In 14 games in January, Embiid averaged 29.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting an efficient 53.7% from the field and 36.2% from beyond the arc.
That’s not just solid - that’s MVP-caliber production. He’s moving well, finding his rhythm offensively, and anchoring the team on both ends when he’s on the floor.
Of course, availability remains the key concern. Embiid has played in just 29 of the Sixers’ 49 games this season, and at 31 years old, it’s fair to wonder how much of a workload he can handle over the long haul.
But the Sixers seem willing to trade a few regular-season wins for a healthier Embiid in the postseason. With a 28-21 record, they’re still firmly in the playoff mix, and seeding becomes secondary if their star is healthy and rested when the real games begin.
Philly’s front office is also navigating other challenges - including Paul George’s 25-game suspension - but none of that is shifting their focus away from the long-term health of their franchise cornerstone. They’re playing the long game, and so is Embiid.
He’ll be on the bench Tuesday night at Chase Center, watching as his teammates try to steal a win without him. The goal is to have him ready for Thursday’s matchup with the Lakers - another test against a Western Conference contender and another chance for Embiid to show that, when he’s on the court, he’s still one of the most unstoppable players in the game.