On Thursday night, the Philadelphia 76ers will be in California to take on the Sacramento Kings.
The 76ers are coming off a 124-96 loss to the Denver Nuggets (in Colorado).
Joel Embiid did not play in the game.
Philadelphia 76ers Make New Joel Embiid Announcement
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the Houston Rockets at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
For Thursday’s game, the 76ers have now announced that Embiid has been ruled out.
Underdog NBA wrote: “Joel Embiid (oblique) listed out Thursday.”
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the second half against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The 2023 MVP is averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 blocks per contest while shooting 49.5% from the field and 31.8% from three-point range in 33 games this season.
When he’s been on the floor, the 32-year-old is still a very productive player.
Real App wrote (on February 7): “Joel Embiid is the leading all centers in scoring in 2026.”
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
76ers This Season
GettyBOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics after the game at TD Garden on October 22, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The 76ers come into the night as the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 37-32 record in 69 games.
They have won four out of their last ten (and are 17-16 on the road).
Following the Kings, the 76ers will play their next game on Saturday night when they visit the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.
GettyCAMDEN, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers participates in media day at 76ers Training Complex on September 26, 2025 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Last season, the 76ers surprisingly missed the NBA playoffs despite their talented roster.
Right now, they are only 2.5 games back of the Toronto Raptors for the fifth seed.
During Embiid’s tenure with the franchise, the 76ers have been unable to reach the Eastern Conference finals.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 27: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers embrace in the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Kings Struggling In 2025-26
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings stands on the court during their game against the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center on October 24, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Kings are the 15th seed in the Western Conference with an 18-52 record in 70 games.
They have won five out of their last ten games (and are 12-24 in 36 games at home).
Following the 76ers, the Kings will host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
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