76ers' Embiid Out vs. Nuggets Due to Oblique Strain

Philadelphia looks to extend win streak without its star center against Western Conference foe Denver

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Philadelphia 76ers will be without star center Joel Embiid when they take on the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. Embiid has been ruled out due to a right oblique strain, leaving the 76ers to adjust their game plan against the Western Conference's fifth-seeded Nuggets.

Why it matters

Embiid's absence is a significant blow for the 76ers, who rely heavily on his interior dominance and ability to command double teams. Without their franchise player, Philadelphia will need to find alternative ways to generate offense and control the paint against a tough Nuggets squad.

The details

The 76ers enter the matchup at 37-31, sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Nuggets, meanwhile, are 41-27 and fifth in the West. In addition to Embiid, the 76ers' injury report includes several other key players out, including Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. For Denver, the Nuggets will also be missing several players due to injury and G League assignments.

  • The 76ers and Nuggets are scheduled to tip off on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers' star center, who is averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season.

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center, who is widely considered one of the best players in the NBA.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The 76ers will need to find a way to compensate for Embiid's absence and try to extend their winning streak, while the Nuggets will look to bounce back from a recent loss against the Lakers.

The takeaway

Embiid's injury is a significant setback for the 76ers, who rely heavily on their star center's production and impact. The team will need to find alternative ways to generate offense and defend the paint without their franchise player, making this a challenging matchup against the talented Nuggets squad.