On April Fool’s Day, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid left many NBA fans confused about his availability for Wednesday’s game against the Washington Wizards.
When the Sixers released the initial injury report for the game on Tuesday night, Embiid was available to play.
On the morning of the game, the star center was downgraded to out due to an illness. When a reporter relayed the announcement, Joel Embiid pushed back.
via Joel Embiid on X: “Must be APRIL FOOLS joke???? Played against Miami in the same conditions and Iâm planning to play tonight!!! #SweatItOut”
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. 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 report correctly stated that Embiid was listed as out throughout the afternoon. Hours before the game, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse confirmed that Embiid was out of the lineup.
Shortly after, Embiid sent another message on X: “I guess they wonât let me play basketball!!”
After causing a stir over his availability for what became a blowout Sixers win over the Wizards, Embiid was called out by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
What Did Stephen A. Smith Say About Joel Embiid?
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: Stephen A. Smith speaks at SiriusXM on Radio Row at Super Bowl LX on February 05, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
“I love me some Joel Embiid, not just as a player, but as a person. Really good guy. Stop clapping back and paying attention to reporters, especially since every time you do something like that, you end up getting hurt again,” Smith said.
“Injuries are the only thing we can question about Joel Embiid, his availability. The brother is a stud, a superstar and a preeminent big man. One of the best that we’ve ever seen in this game, when he’s 80%, let alone 100%, but your health is an issue throughout your entire career. Stop clapping back at guys when it comes to your availability, because you don’t even know when you’re going to be available half the time because of your injuries.”
Embiid’s availability is by far his biggest weakness as an NBA player. That was the case at the start of his career, as he missed his first two seasons after getting drafted third overall.
During his debut season, Embiid played in just 31 games. It wasn’t until the MVP-winning season in 2022-2023 that he finally crossed 65 games in a single year.
Since then? 39 games in 2023-2024. 19 games in 2024-2025. 36 games in 2025-2026, with just six games left.
When it comes to what Embiid brings to the court when he is healthy, there’s no debate that he’s among the best in the league. As he battled through multiple setbacks this season, the star center still posted averages of 26.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
Still, the injury concerns loom. The Sixers are hoping to get a fully healthy run out of Embiid in the playoffs this season. He has a lot to prove on that front.
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