Sixers' Andre Drummond Discusses Team's Struggles Without Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers have lost seven of their last eight games without their star center.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond spoke about the team's difficulties playing without injured star Joel Embiid. Drummond acknowledged that the Sixers struggle to adjust their style of play when Embiid is out, as he demands a lot of attention and scoring. The Sixers were 10-6 at one point without Embiid but have since lost seven of their last eight games in his absence. Drummond said the team needs to find a way to get out of the mindset of relying on Embiid and have other players step up in his absence.

Why it matters

The Sixers' struggles without Embiid are significant, as he is their best player and a leading MVP candidate. His absence puts more pressure on the rest of the roster to step up and find ways to win games, which they have struggled to do consistently. Drummond's comments highlight the team's reliance on Embiid and the need to develop a more balanced approach when he is out.

The details

In Thursday's 117-107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Drummond started at center and had 10 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 28 minutes. He said the Sixers struggle to adjust their mindset and playing style when Embiid is not on the floor, as he demands so much attention from opposing defenses. The Sixers were 10-6 without Embiid earlier in the season, but have since lost seven of their last eight games in his absence.

  • The Sixers are now 11-13 without Joel Embiid this season.
  • The Sixers lost to the Atlanta Hawks 117-107 on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Andre Drummond

A 14-year veteran center for the Philadelphia 76ers who has stepped up in Joel Embiid's absence.

Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers' star center and leading MVP candidate, who has missed significant time due to injury this season.

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What they’re saying

“I think when Joel plays, he just demands a lot. I think it's hard to switch that off when he's not around. So, I think for us, it's just finding a way to get out of that mindset of having the big dog around and where a lot of other guys have to step up and play different roles when he isn't around.”

— Andre Drummond, Philadelphia 76ers Center (Sixers Wire)

“Readjust again. Yeah. It's difficult, because like I said, he demands a lot of attention. He demands a lot when he does play, so missing him is almost just like we're losing 30-plus points and another 15 free throws that we normally have, so it's an adjustment for us, but I think we'll be fine.”

— Andre Drummond, Philadelphia 76ers Center (Sixers Wire)

What’s next

The Sixers will begin a 3-game road trip on Saturday when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans as they look to get back on track without their star center Joel Embiid.

The takeaway

The Sixers' struggles without Joel Embiid highlight their heavy reliance on their star player and the need for the rest of the roster to step up and find ways to win games when he is out. Drummond's comments suggest the team needs to adjust their mindset and playing style to be more balanced and less dependent on Embiid's presence.