The Philadelphia 76ers are taking another trip out West after wrapping up a back-to-back at home in Pennsylvania.
While the Sixers’ head coach, Daryl Morey, suggested that Joel Embiid shouldn’t be ruled out for the upcoming road trip, it has been confirmed that a return isn’t in store for the big man on Tuesday, March 16.
The Sixers will pay a visit to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. As Embiid continues to recover from an oblique strain, the veteran center will miss another matchup to begin the week.
76ers Announce Joel Embiid’s Status vs Denver Nuggets
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)
Playing in Denver, Colorado, is rare for Embiid. Considering the Sixers only face the Nuggets on the road once a year, Embiid’s frequent absences tend to keep him out of the lineup for Denver matchups. He hasn’t played there since 2019. The trend continues in 2026.
It’s not an isolated absence for Embiid. The veteran center hasn’t been on the court since the Sixers’ February 26 game against the Miami Heat.
Amid his 31-minute showing against the Heat, Embiid shot 8-20 from the field and 8-9 from the free-throw line to score 26 points. He also contributed 11 rebounds and four assists.
While Embiid battled through his setback and finished the game, helping the Sixers secure a 124-117 win over the Heat, he was ruled out for an extended period of time just a few days later. Even after multiple re-evaluations, Embiid remains on the Sixers’ injury report.
Tuesday’s game against the Nuggets will mark the 10th absence in a row for Embiid.
The Sixers Without Joel Embiid
GettyJoel Embiid and the Sixers are dealing with a lot of injury concerns at this point of the season.
Fortunately, the Sixers swept their recent back-to-back set, which prevented them from allowing the Charlotte Hornets to get within reach of the ninth seed.
Still, the Sixers are going through a rough patch. Without Embiid, they are missing a major piece of their offense and defense.
Overall, the Sixers have won 63% of their games with Embiid on the court this year. Without him? They are 16-19 (45%).
But it’s not just Embiid’s absence affecting the Sixers this season. The injury report is crowded as of late.
The rookie Johni Broome is dealing with a knee injury, which might’ve ended his season. Paul George is suspended and won’t return until later this month. Tyrese Maxey is dealing with a tendon strain in his finger and will miss multiple weeks.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is dealing with a left elbow sprain, which will cost him an extended period of time as well. While Dalen Terry and Jabari Walker aren’t expected to miss a ton of time, they are both on the injury report for Tuesday’s action. Terry is the only one who is questionable, with a chance to play.
The Sixers are searching for their third win in a row. They are set to tip at 10 PM ET.
With Embiid out, the next time he could return is on Thursday, March 19, against the Sacramento Kings.
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