The 76ers entered the 2024-25 season with hopes of competing atop the Eastern Conference pyramid.
At present, they’re clinging to life as not only one of the league’s more disappointing sides but one of its worst.
Philadelphia finds itself 10 games under .500 as of Monday, Jan. 27. With matchups against a host of playoff-bound sides on the horizon, Nick Nurse’s side needs all hands on deck, including its standout, Joel Embiid.
Embiid has endured a disastrous campaign thus far, playing in just a quarter of the Sixers’ matches after facing a spate of injuries. He finds himself in a similarly precarious position ahead of Philadelphia’s duel with the Lakers, having been felled by a left knee malady.
Here’s the latest on Embiid’s status for Tuesday night’s matchup.
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Is Joel Embiid playing tonight?
Embiid will miss the 76ers’ clash with the Lakers as he attempts to recover from the left knee swelling issues that have plagued much of his season thus far.
According to PHLY’s Kyle Neubeck, Embiid’s knee has handled treatment well, with the former MVP even returning to the floor for brief spells during Monday’s practice. Still, he’s slated to be sidelined for at least the next two games, the Sixers announced Monday.
Between a sprained left foot, a sinus fracture and his knee trouble, Embiid has been dealt a difficult hand in 2024-25. His left knee has been especially quarrelsome as of late, with Embiid missing significant time due to a litany of knee ailments, including a torn meniscus. He spent the opening nine games of the season in street clothes due to knee injury management and a subsequent league-imposed suspension.
Through 13 games, the 30-year-old center is averaging 24.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists while playing just 29.5 minutes per contest, tied for the second-lowest mark of his career.
76ers schedule 2025
The Sixers sit at 17-27 through 44 games, good for 11th in the Eastern Conference. Despite their dour campaign thus far, Philadelphia is only one game back of the Bulls for the final spot in the play-in. The 76ers are 5.5 games behind the Pistons in sixth place.
Per Tankathon, Philly has the fifth-easiest remaining strength of schedule, highlighted by three matchups against the Celtics and two contests with the Knicks and Bucks, respectively.
Here’s a look at Philadelphia’s upcoming seven-game slate:
| Date | Team | Time (ET) |
| Tue., 1/28 | vs. Lakers | 7:30 p.m. |
| Wed., 1/29 | vs. Kings | 7:30 p.m. |
| Fri., 1/31 | vs. Nuggets | 7:30 p.m. |
| Sun., 2/2 | vs. Celtics | 6:00 p.m. |
| Tue., 2/4 | vs. Mavericks | 7:00 p.m. |
| Wed., 2/5 | vs. Heat | 7:30 p.m. |
| Fri., 2/7 | at Pistons | 7:30 p.m. |
Each of the 76ers’ next six games will take place in their home confines, while all seven see them lock horns with sides carrying a record of .500 or better. Victories in a few of those contests could go a long way in helping Philadelphia shore up its postseason hopes ahead of the All-Star break.
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