The Philadelphia 76ers return to action after the NBA All-Star break with a home game against the Atlanta Hawks at the Wells Fargo Center. However, the biggest news ahead of the matchup is the status of Joel Embiid. The team has officially confirmed that the former MVP will not play in tonight’s game due to ongoing injury concerns.
The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM ET, but Philadelphia will have to manage without its franchise center as the medical staff continues to monitor his condition carefully.
Why Joel Embiid Is Out
According to the team’s official injury report, Embiid has been ruled out because of right knee injury management along with right shin soreness. The knee issue is part of an ongoing load management program, while the shin discomfort developed during workouts and treatment sessions over the All-Star break.
Although Embiid participated in practice and looked comfortable, the team’s medical staff decided to take a cautious approach. The 76ers plan to re-evaluate him before their upcoming road back-to-back games later this week.
Joel Embiid: “I would trade my MVP for one healthy postseason run because I think that if I’m healthy, I’m dominant enough that I would carry us to win a championship.”
Joel Embiid Injury Details
| Injury Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Right Knee | Ongoing load management |
| Right Shin | New soreness during All-Star break |
| Game Status vs Hawks | Out |
| Next Evaluation | Before upcoming weekend games |
Embiid’s Season Performance So Far
Despite missing multiple games this season, Embiid has continued to deliver strong numbers when available. His absence remains a major factor in Philadelphia’s rotation and overall consistency.
Joel Embiid 2025-26 Season Stats
| Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 31 |
| Points | 26.6 PPG |
| Rebounds | 7.5 RPG |
| Assists | 3.9 APG |
| Blocks | 1.1 BPG |
| FG Percentage | 49.4% |
| 3PT Percentage | 32.0% |
The 2023 MVP has been dealing with recurring physical issues this season, leading to multiple missed games before the All-Star break.
Impact on 76ers vs Hawks Matchup
Philadelphia enters the game with a 30–24 record, while Atlanta stands at 26–30. Without Embiid’s scoring and defensive presence, the 76ers will rely heavily on Tyrese Maxey and their supporting lineup to carry the offensive load.
Embiid’s absence affects interior defense, rebounding, and half-court scoring, making this matchup more competitive than expected. The team will prioritize his long-term health as the playoff race begins to intensify.
| Match | Atlanta Hawks vs Philadelphia 76ers |
|---|---|
| Date | February 19, 2026 |
| Venue | Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia |
| Tip-off | 7:00 PM ET |
| Live Streaming | NBA League Pass, ESPN App, YouTube TV, fuboTV |
| TV (USA) | Local/National listings (TNT or NBA TV where available) |
The 76ers are taking a cautious approach with their star player, focusing on long-term fitness rather than rushing him back too early. With key road games coming up, the team hopes Embiid will be ready soon.
For now, Philadelphia must find ways to stay competitive without its centerpiece. How the team performs during this stretch could play a major role in their playoff positioning as the season enters its final phase.
