Embiid Returns as 76ers Visit Shorthanded Pacers

Indiana rules out All-Star Pascal Siakam with a wrist injury as Philadelphia looks to solidify playoff positioning.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:52pm

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The Philadelphia 76ers will have star center Joel Embiid back in the lineup as they visit the injury-plagued Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. The Pacers have ruled out All-Star forward Pascal Siakam due to a wrist injury, the latest setback in a season filled with injuries for the rebuilding squad. The 76ers are looking to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race, while the Pacers are focused on securing a top draft pick by finishing with one of the NBA's worst records.

Why it matters

This matchup features a playoff contender in the 76ers against a Pacers team that has prioritized developing young talent and securing a high draft pick this season. Embiid's return is a boost for Philadelphia as they try to hold onto a top-6 seed, while the Pacers continue to be hampered by injuries to key players like Siakam.

The details

The Pacers have ruled out Siakam due to a wrist injury, a different ailment than the hamstring issue and personal reasons that have sidelined him previously this season. Indiana has 13 players on the official NBA injury report entering this game, including the recent acquisition of center Ivica Zubac, who has been ruled out indefinitely with a left ankle sprain. The 76ers, meanwhile, have cleared both Embiid and Kelly Oubre Jr. to play after dealing with various injuries.

  • The Pacers and 76ers have already met twice this season, with Philadelphia winning both games played in their home arena.
  • This will be the third of four matchups between the teams, with the final game scheduled for late in the season in Indiana.

The players

Joel Embiid

The star center for the Philadelphia 76ers, who has been cleared to return to the lineup after dealing with right knee and shin issues.

Pascal Siakam

The Pacers' All-Star forward, who has been ruled out with a left wrist sprain, the latest in a string of injuries that have sidelined him this season.

Ivica Zubac

The center acquired by the Pacers in a trade just before the deadline, who has been ruled out indefinitely with a left ankle sprain.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to find ways to compete and develop our young talent, even with all the injuries we've faced.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers (Pacers Press Release)

“Getting Joel back is huge for us as we try to solidify our playoff positioning. We know we'll have our hands full with a scrappy Pacers team.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers (76ers Press Release)

What’s next

The Pacers and 76ers will meet one final time this season in late March, with Indiana looking to avenge their two previous losses to Philadelphia.

The takeaway

This game highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with the playoff-contending 76ers getting a boost from Embiid's return, while the rebuilding Pacers continue to be hampered by injuries to key players like Siakam as they focus on securing a top draft pick.