76ers Announce Starters vs Timberwolves With Joel Embiid Status

Embiid cleared to play after initial doubtful designation due to illness

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with overlapping shapes and planes representing the dynamic action on the court.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes matchup between the Sixers and Timberwolves, with the return of star center Joel Embiid a key factor in Philadelphia's playoff push.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia 76ers have announced their starting lineup for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which includes star center Joel Embiid. Embiid was initially listed as doubtful due to an illness but was upgraded to probable after participating in the team's morning shootaround.

Why it matters

The 76ers are in a tight race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, currently sitting in sixth place. Embiid's availability is crucial as the team looks to secure a postseason berth and potentially improve their seeding in the final stretch of the regular season.

The details

The 76ers are starting Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George, Dominick Barlow, and Joel Embiid against the Timberwolves. Embiid had been dealing with an oblique strain and an illness earlier in the week, causing him to miss the team's previous game against the Washington Wizards. However, his participation in the morning shootaround suggests he is ready to return to the lineup.

  • The 76ers are hosting the Timberwolves on Friday, April 3, 2026.
  • Embiid was initially listed as doubtful for the game due to an illness.
  • Embiid participated in the team's morning shootaround and was upgraded to probable.

The players

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' star center who was initially doubtful for the game due to an illness but was cleared to play after participating in the team's morning shootaround.

Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers' starting point guard.

VJ Edgecombe

The 76ers' starting small forward.

Paul George

The 76ers' starting power forward.

Dominick Barlow

The 76ers' starting center alongside Joel Embiid.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The final stretch of games will be massive for the Sixers. They know they have a postseason coming up, but making the playoffs is not guaranteed.”

— Justin Grasso, Author

What’s next

The 76ers will look to build momentum with a win over the Timberwolves as they continue their push for a higher playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. Their next game is a back-to-back against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, April 4.

The takeaway

The 76ers' ability to get their star center Joel Embiid back on the court will be crucial as they navigate a tight race for playoff positioning in the final stretch of the regular season. Embiid's health and availability will be a key factor in determining the team's postseason success.