The Philadelphia 76ers are paying a visit to the Houston Rockets on Thursday, April 9. Joel Embiid’s injury status doesn’t seem to be an issue for Philly, for the time being.
When the Sixers released their initial injury report on Wednesday night, Embiid was not listed. Barring any unexpected changes on game day, Embiid is set to suit up and play for the Sixers in a must-win outing.
Lately, Embiid has battled with multiple setbacks. Dating back to the All-Star break, Embiid had soreness in his knee, which then turned into a shin issue.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 25, 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Once he got over those setbacks, the star center returned to the court for two games. During his second game against the Miami Heat, Embiid suffered an oblique strain. That caused a month-long absence for the superstar center.
On March 25, Embiid returned to the court for the Sixers, firing up a three-game stretch. An illness took him off the court on April 1, against the Washington Wizards. Embiid returned to help the Sixers open up a back-to-back set against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he was out for the back half, against the Detroit Pistons.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on November 04, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
When the Sixers paid a visit to the San Antonio Spurs on April 6, Embiid was back.
He checked in for 39 minutes against the Spurs. The star center shot 8-19 from the field for 34 points. Embiid logged a double-double with 12 rebounds.
Despite an impressive performance on a personal level, Embiid’s Sixers couldn’t seal the deal against the Spurs. They took on a 115-102 loss.
Why The Sixers Must Win On Thursday Night In Houston
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to a call during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Wells Fargo Center on February 17, 2021 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Sixers were already out of the playoff picture heading into Wednesday night’s slate, holding the seventh seed.
They didn’t land any favors in other games. The Sixers dropped to the No. 8 seed before their meeting in Houston. Holding a 43-36 record, the Sixers are on a two-game losing streak and need to at least win out to have a shot at avoiding the Play-In Tournament.
The final run of the schedule continues on Friday, April 10, with a game against the Indiana Pacers. The Sixers’ season finale will be on Sunday, April 12, against the Milwaukee Bucks.
On Thursday, the Sixers and the Rockets will tip-off at 8 PM ET.
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