Embiid Upset Over Sixers Holding Him Out

Star center to miss Pistons game after missing Wizards matchup

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:00am

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Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid will not play against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, and he expressed frustration over being held out of the team's previous game against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.

Why it matters

Embiid is a key player for the Sixers, and his health and availability are crucial to the team's success. His comments about being upset over being held out of games could indicate potential tension between the player and team management over injury management decisions.

The details

Embiid said he was 'angry' that the Sixers did not allow him to play in the game against the Wizards on Wednesday. He is now also out for Saturday's game against the Pistons due to 'right knee injury management'.

  • Embiid missed the Sixers' game against the Wizards on Wednesday, April 3, 2026.
  • Embiid will also miss the Sixers' game against the Pistons on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Joel Embiid

All-Star center for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Philadelphia 76ers

NBA team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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What they’re saying

“I was angry that I couldn't play the other night.”

— Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Center

What’s next

The Sixers will have to continue to manage Embiid's minutes and workload carefully to keep him healthy for the playoffs.

The takeaway

Embiid's frustration over being held out of games highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between managing star players' health and keeping them engaged and motivated. The Sixers will need to find a way to keep Embiid happy while also protecting his long-term wellbeing.