Joel Embiid Sits Again as Tyrese Maxey Continues to Shoulder the Load for the Sixers
Joel Embiid made his long-awaited return to the court on Sunday, logging a season-high 30 minutes in a double-overtime battle against the Atlanta Hawks. But just two days later, the Sixers are back to managing without their franchise centerpiece. Embiid has been ruled out for Tuesday night's matchup against the Washington Wizards as the team continues to monitor his lingering knee issues.
It’s been a frustrating start to the season for the reigning MVP, who has suited up in just seven games so far. He missed nine straight before Sunday’s return, and while he showed flashes of his usual dominance, it’s clear he’s not yet operating at full strength. The Sixers are treading carefully - and understandably so - but the burden of Embiid’s absence is falling heavily on one player in particular: Tyrese Maxey.
Embiid acknowledged as much after Sunday’s marathon game, expressing empathy for Maxey and the enormous role he’s taken on this season.
“I will do anything just to play one game of basketball,” Embiid said. “So, I do feel bad.
Obviously the minutes that he (Tyrese Maxey) has to play, the load that he has to handle. I've been there.
Joel Embiid is out tomorrow night and will not play after returning last night and playing a season high 30 minutes. The Sixers are managing his right knee soreness. pic.twitter.com/tp6usPtaAh
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) December 1, 2025
I know how it feels. You just gotta trust in what you're doing, and in God, and be okay with the fact that whatever happens, happens.”
It’s a telling quote from a star who knows what it’s like to carry a franchise on his back. And right now, Maxey is doing exactly that.
.@KyleNeubeck asked Embiid if Maxey's great play has added any extra urgency.
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) December 1, 2025
"I do feel bad. Obviously the minutes that he has to play, the load that he has to handle. I've been there. I know how it feels. You just gotta trust in what you're doing, and in God, and be okay with… pic.twitter.com/dUa3YWI2qD
With both Embiid and Paul George missing significant time this season, Maxey has emerged not just as a fill-in star, but as a legitimate offensive engine. He leads the NBA in minutes per game (40.7) and is averaging a scorching 32.3 points per night. He’s doing it efficiently too, shooting 46.8% from the field and 38.4% from deep - all while taking an NBA-high 22.9 shots per game.
Sunday’s game was a showcase of Maxey’s endurance and scoring prowess. He poured in 44 points in the double-overtime loss to Atlanta, and he’s already torched the Wizards once this season - dropping 39 on them back in October.
Washington, for its part, has struggled mightily on the defensive end. They rank dead last in the league in defensive rating (122.5), and they’ve been particularly vulnerable against opposing point guards, allowing over 25 points per game to the position. That’s not a great recipe when you’re up against one of the league’s hottest scorers.
So while Embiid’s absence is a massive blow, it also sets the stage for another potential Maxey explosion. With Paul George still questionable for Tuesday’s game, the Sixers will once again turn to their 23-year-old guard to lead the charge - and based on what we’ve seen so far this season, he’s more than capable.
Embiid’s numbers in limited action - 19.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 45.5% shooting - show he can still impact the game even when not at 100%. But the reality is, he’s facing an uphill climb just to play in half of the Sixers’ 82 games this year. That makes Maxey’s role all the more critical, not just in the short term, but for the Sixers’ long-term hopes in a stacked Eastern Conference.
With each game, Maxey is proving he’s not just a stopgap. He’s a star in his own right - and right now, he’s the heartbeat of this Sixers team.