Joel Embiid Calls Out 76ers GM Daryl Morey Over Missed Game

Sixers star was 'pissed off' after being held out of a game against the Wizards despite feeling healthy

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid publicly criticized the team's decision to hold him out of a game against the Washington Wizards, calling out general manager Daryl Morey by name. Embiid said he was feeling well enough to play but was not allowed to, which 'pissed me off.' The team's medical staff decided to sit Embiid due to an illness he had been battling for three days, but Embiid disagreed with that decision.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the occasional tension that can arise between star players and team management, especially when it comes to medical decisions. Embiid is a key part of the 76ers' playoff push, so keeping him healthy is crucial, but the disagreement over his availability could become a distraction if not resolved.

The details

Embiid played through an illness in a game against the Miami Heat on Monday, but the 76ers officially listed him out with an illness for the subsequent game against the Wizards on Wednesday. Embiid said he felt better going into the Wizards game and was surprised when he found out he would not be playing. The team's medical staff decided to hold Embiid out because he had been sick for three days and missed shootaround, but Embiid disagreed with that decision.

  • Embiid played through sickness against the Miami Heat on Monday.
  • The 76ers officially listed Embiid out with an illness for the game against the Wizards on Wednesday.
  • After the 76ers' win over the Timberwolves on Friday, Embiid spoke to reporters about the situation.

The players

Joel Embiid

The star center for the Philadelphia 76ers who was upset about being held out of a game against the Wizards despite feeling healthy.

Daryl Morey

The general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, who Embiid called out by name over the decision to hold him out of the Wizards game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was pissed off. I wanted to play basketball. I wasn't allowed to play basketball. So, this is more of a question for Daryl Morey.”

— Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Center

“I was obviously pretty sick in Miami, but I still wanted to give us a chance to go out there and do something. I didn't sleep the night before, but I felt better going into Washington. I didn't make it to shootaround. But when I found out after that I wasn't playing, it caught me off guard. It pissed me off.”

— Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Center

What’s next

The 76ers and Embiid will need to work to resolve this disagreement over his availability to avoid it becoming a distraction as the team pushes for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between listening to their star players and following medical advice, especially as teams make playoff pushes. Embiid's frustration is understandable, but the 76ers will need to find a way to keep him healthy and engaged as they try to secure a postseason berth.