Sixers Injuries, Struggles Highlight Embiid's Availability Issues

Philadelphia's star center's frequent absences raise concerns about the team's playoff hopes and long-term outlook.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:51pm

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The Philadelphia 76ers have fallen to eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings due to a rash of injuries, including to star center Joel Embiid. With Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey all sidelined, the Sixers are struggling to stay afloat and may miss the playoffs entirely. This latest setback highlights the ongoing 'Joel Embiid problem' the team faces in building a contender around an injury-prone superstar.

Why it matters

The Sixers' struggles underscore the challenges of constructing a championship-caliber team around a player like Embiid, who has had recurring injury issues throughout his career. Embiid's frequent absences make it difficult for the team to develop chemistry and consistency, and raise questions about the long-term viability of building around him as a franchise centerpiece.

The details

The Sixers have fallen to eighth place in the East due to injuries to key players. Embiid is out with an oblique injury, Paul George is suspended, Kelly Oubre has an elbow sprain, and Tyrese Maxey is sidelined for at least three weeks with a finger tendon injury. With the Sixers struggling, they may fall out of the playoff picture entirely, and could end up keeping their first-round draft pick only if it falls in the top four.

  • Embiid is currently out with an oblique injury.
  • Paul George is serving a 25-game suspension.
  • Kelly Oubre is out with an elbow sprain.
  • Tyrese Maxey will be sidelined for at least three weeks with a finger tendon injury.

The players

Joel Embiid

The Sixers' star center who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, making it difficult for the team to build a consistent contender around him.

Paul George

The Sixers' forward who is currently serving a 25-game suspension, further depleting the team's roster.

Tyrese Maxey

The Sixers' young guard who is sidelined for at least three weeks with a finger tendon injury, adding to the team's injury woes.

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What they’re saying

“This is the Joel Embiid problem is just, it's so hard to build around this guy who's not available and he's getting paid a max salary, and it's just, this is the plight of building around a seven-footer who's injury prone, who has had a issue staying healthy throughout his career.”

— Tom Haberstroh, NBA Contributor (Yahoo Sports)

“And unfortunately for Sixers fans, this is the bed that they made and they gotta sleep in it for the next three, four years. And it's unfortunate, but this is kind of the name of the game with the 76ers is just when you have a guy making that much money, and Paul George, it's a totally anomaly that he's got this 25 game suspension.”

— Tom Haberstroh, NBA Contributor (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.