Philadelphia 76ers fans were confused by the messaging coming from the team and its star center, Joel Embiid, on Wednesday.
Ahead of the April 1 matchup against the Washington Wizards, the Sixers planned to have Joel Embiid on the court.
The initial injury report didn’t include the star center. Lately, Embiid has been dealing with an oblique strain. He’s had some notable knee issues throughout the year, and admitted he was sick after the Monday night Miami Heat loss.
Hours before the Sixers and the Wizards tipped off, Embiid was downgraded on the injury report. He was ruled out due to an illness.
Embiid then took to social media to deny his status.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after making a basket against the Charlotte Hornets in the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 25, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
via Joel Embiid on X: Must be APRIL FOOLS joke???? Played against Miami in the same conditions and Iâm planning to play tonight!!! #SweatItOut
While Embiid left everybody thinking that the injury report status was incorrect, the Sixers never changed the star center’s stance. Nick Nurse addressed reporters before the game and confirmed Embiid would not play.
The star center went to social media once again.
via Embiid on X: I guess they wonât let me play basketball!!
Here’s how NBA fans reacted to Embiid’s confusing announcement.
NBA Fans React To The Latest Joel Embiid Saga
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. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“Check the date,” Zeruma_ said on Reddit, pointing to it being April Fool’s Day.
“Heâs not called Troel Embiid for no reason!” ojseye added.
“The fact that people tolerate his B’s is beyond me. Mofo missed half a 12 year career and is trolling about it. Get him tfo,” said BstrdSunOffJfffrsun wrote on Reddit.
“Im just glad hes just sick and still in good spirits. I thought maybe he tweaked something on that blocked 3 when he landed,” added ihorsey10.
“Josh Harris didnt want to pay the $100k fine,” igwt097 said on X.
“They hate the process,” cbain100 said on X.
“Sometimes itâs just not your faultð,” added phacelord__.
No Embiid? No Problem
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 07, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Sixers are clearly much better with Embiid on the court. But for Wednesday, they could handle business without him.
The 76ers dominated the Wizards with a 153-131 victory.
Paul George posted a season-high 39 points in 30 minutes. Tyrese Maxey accounted for 28 points, nine assists, and two rebounds in 34 minutes.
The rookie VJ Edgecombe had the Sixers’ third 20-point-plus outing with 23 points. He secured the double-double with 10 assists.
Embiid hasn’t been ruled out for the Sixers’ April 3 matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he is doubtful to make his return on Friday.
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