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Sixers' Embiid Ruled Out Against Wizards Due to Illness
Coach Nick Nurse provides details on Embiid's sickness and the team's decision to have him see a doctor.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:34pm
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Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been ruled out of the team's matchup against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday due to an illness. Head coach Nick Nurse revealed that Embiid reported feeling sick after the Sixers' loss to the Miami Heat on Monday, and the medical staff decided to have him see a doctor rather than play through the illness again.
Why it matters
Embiid is the reigning NBA MVP and the Sixers' best player, so his absence is a significant blow to the team's chances against the Wizards. The Sixers will need to find a way to win without their superstar center, and Nurse's update provides insight into the team's decision-making process around Embiid's health.
The details
Nurse said Embiid did not participate in the team's morning activities, including film sessions, after reporting sickness from the Miami game. The medical staff examined Embiid and decided it was best for him to see a doctor rather than play against the Wizards. Embiid had played through the illness in the Miami game, but the team felt it was important for him to get checked out more thoroughly.
- Embiid reported feeling sick after the Sixers' loss to the Miami Heat on Monday.
- The Sixers ruled Embiid out of the Wizards game on Wednesday morning.
The players
Joel Embiid
The Philadelphia 76ers' star center and reigning NBA MVP.
Nick Nurse
The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.
What they’re saying
“We had activities this morning, film and stuff. He didn't make the film after he kinda reported some sickness from Miami the other day. Medical, obviously, went to see him, and wanted him to get checked out by a doctor. We, obviously, decided to rule him out at that point.”
— Nick Nurse, Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers
“He, obviously, played the other night through some of it. But they just decided that a couple days here in a row that he needed to be checked out.”
— Nick Nurse, Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers
“I do not. Just illness. Sickness, yeah.”
— Nick Nurse, Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers
What’s next
The Sixers will return home to play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday for a back-to-back. Once Embiid sees a doctor, the team will likely have more information on the specifics of his illness.
The takeaway
Embiid's absence is a significant blow for the Sixers, as he is their best player and the reigning MVP. The team is taking a cautious approach by having him see a doctor, prioritizing his long-term health over playing through the illness. This decision highlights the Sixers' commitment to Embiid's wellbeing and their desire to have him fully healthy for the playoffs.
