Sixers Face Knicks Without Embiid, Grimes

Star center and key guard sidelined again due to injury and illness

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Philadelphia 76ers will be without star center Joel Embiid and guard Quentin Grimes as they take on the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. Embiid is sidelined due to lingering right knee soreness, while Grimes remains out with an ongoing illness. This marks the second consecutive missed game for both players as the Sixers look to maintain momentum in the competitive Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

The absences of Embiid and Grimes are significant blows for the Sixers, who have struggled without their star center, losing five of the last six games he has missed. Embiid's health and Grimes' contributions are crucial to the team's playoff prospects, making their continued unavailability a major concern as the season reaches a critical juncture.

The details

Embiid first experienced discomfort in his right knee following the Sixers' win over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Coach Nick Nurse emphasized the gradual improvement in Embiid's condition but confirmed he was not ready to return just yet. Grimes also remains out due to an ongoing illness, though Dominick Barlow is expected to return to the lineup after missing Monday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

  • Embiid first experienced knee soreness on February 11, 2026.
  • Embiid and Grimes will both miss their second consecutive game on February 12, 2026.

The players

Joel Embiid

A 7-foot-2 center and seven-time NBA All-Star who has been averaging 29.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over his last 17 games for the Sixers.

Quentin Grimes

A key guard for the Sixers who has been averaging 12.7 points and 3.6 assists across 48 games this season.

Nick Nurse

The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Dominick Barlow

A player for the Sixers who is expected to return to the lineup after missing a recent game due to illness.

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What they’re saying

“is bothering him enough that he's not playing,”

— Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach (theconwaybulletin.com)

“I think it is improving a little bit. But it's not quite there to get out there tonight.”

— Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach (theconwaybulletin.com)

“Anybody that's a little bit sore and signed up has a chance here to get some treatment for a week, and off their feet for a week,”

— Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach (theconwaybulletin.com)

“He would certainly be included in that for sure.”

— Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach (theconwaybulletin.com)

“This is probably what we've expected to have happened, that there would be some soreness at times,”

— Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

Embiid will undergo further evaluation after the NBA All-Star break, which starts on February 16, 2026. The Sixers will hope to have both Embiid and Grimes back in the lineup as they look to strengthen their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The takeaway

The Sixers' struggles without Embiid and Grimes highlight the importance of their health and contributions to the team's success. The upcoming All-Star break provides an opportunity for the injured players to receive treatment and rest, which could be crucial for the Sixers' playoff push in the second half of the season.