Embiid Calls Out 76ers on Injury Report

Star center disputes team's claim he'll miss next game due to illness

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:36pm

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Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid took to social media to dispute the team's injury report that stated he would miss the upcoming game against the Washington Wizards due to illness. Embiid claimed he was planning to play in the game, despite the team's announcement, and accused the report of being an "April Fools joke."

Why it matters

Embiid's health and availability is crucial for the 76ers, who are currently eighth in the Eastern Conference standings and fighting for playoff positioning. The team has struggled with Embiid's injury history in recent seasons, and any discrepancy between the player and organization over his status could create tension and uncertainty.

The details

The 76ers had reported that Embiid would sit out the game against the Wizards due to an illness, but Embiid refuted this on social media, saying he had played through similar conditions in a recent game against the Miami Heat and was planning to play in the upcoming contest. The team's injury report, however, still listed Embiid as out for the game as of the time of the report.

  • The 76ers are scheduled to play the Washington Wizards on April 1, 2026 at 7 p.m. EST.
  • Embiid responded to the team's injury report on X (formerly Twitter) on the same day, April 1, 2026.

The players

Joel Embiid

All-Star center for the Philadelphia 76ers who has dealt with injury issues throughout his career.

Philadelphia 76ers

NBA team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that Embiid plays for.

Washington Wizards

NBA team that the 76ers are scheduled to play against on April 1, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Must be APRIL FOOLS joke???? Played against Miami in the same conditions and I'm planning to play tonight!!! #SweatItOut”

— Joel Embiid

“The 76ers' injury report still shows that he's out for tonight's game against Washington.”

— Ky Carlin, 76ers journalist for USA Today

What’s next

The 76ers and Embiid will need to resolve the discrepancy over his playing status before the game against the Wizards tips off at 7 p.m. EST on April 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the 76ers face in managing Embiid's health and availability, which is crucial to the team's playoff aspirations. The organization and star player will need to improve communication and alignment to avoid these types of public disputes over injury reports.