The Philadelphia 76ers return home tonight for a high-stakes showdown against the Golden State Warriors, but the real story isn’t the standings; it’s the injury report. At 11–9, the Sixers are trying to build consistency in a season overwhelmed by health concerns. The Warriors, stuck at 11–11, are navigating a road trip without Stephen Curry.

With both teams fighting for traction in tightly packed conferences, availability becomes the swing factor. And naturally, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is simple: Will Joel Embiid suit up tonight?

Is Joel Embiid Playing Tonight vs the Warriors?

Unfortunately for Sixers fans, all signs point toward no. Joel Embiid is officially listed as questionable due to left and right knee injury recovery, matching his status from earlier this week. The two-time MVP already missed Philadelphia’s previous outing, and insiders widely expect this to become his second straight absence.

The Sixers’ caution is understandable. The NBA recently fined the franchise $100,000 for misreporting Embiid’s availability, placing added scrutiny on how the team handles his health.

Embiid has appeared in just seven games this season, averaging 19.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, far below his MVP standards while he recovers from offseason knee issues.

Top Stories

Charles Barkley Challenges ESPN To Fire Him After Harsh Criticism Of Co-Workers

Caitlin Clark’s Message to Steph Curry Contains a Subtle WNBA Plea, per Analyst

Paige Bueckers Finds Confidence in Unrivaled’s Financial Stance Amid Growing WNBA Uncertainty

Caitlin Clark Sends Message to Former Iowa Teammate During a Personal Moment

Bronny James All-Star Controversy Explodes After NBA Legends Accuse LeBron James

If he sits again, which is overwhelmingly likely, the offensive responsibility shifts back to Tyrese Maxey. Expect Andre Drummond to draw another start at center, forcing Philadelphia into a guard-heavy scoring approach and smaller defensive schemes.

Injury Report for Warriors vs 76ers

Tonight’s matchup is shaped entirely by health. Both teams enter with lengthy injury lists that will dictate rotations, pace, and even betting markets.

Warriors

Golden State arrives with a battered lineup and no Stephen Curry. Their rotations hinge on the uncertain status of multiple frontcourt players.

Out

• Stephen Curry – Out (right quadriceps contusion)

• Alex Toohey – Out (left knee injury management)

Questionable

• Jimmy Butler III – Left knee soreness

• Jonathan Kuminga – Right ankle soreness

• Trayce Jackson-Davis – Right knee soreness

• Quinten Post – Left ankle sprain

• Al Horford – Right sciatic nerve irritation

Available

• De’Anthony Melton – Active (season debut)

Without Curry’s 26-point scoring punch, Golden State leans on Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Butler (if cleared) for offense.

Melton’s return strengthens their guard defense, but the uncertainty across their frontcourt could leave them vulnerable to Philadelphia’s rebounding and interior pressure.

76ers

Philadelphia’s injury concerns center around their stars and primary wing defenders.

Doubtful

• Joel Embiid – Left/right knee injury recovery

Questionable

• Quentin Grimes – Right calf tightness

Out

• Kelly Oubre Jr. – Left knee sprain

• Trendon Watford – Left adductor strain

• Paul George – Left knee recovery

Without Embiid, the Sixers’ offense runs almost entirely through Tyrese Maxey, while their wing depth becomes stretched thin if Grimes cannot go.

Oubre’s continued absence deepens the workload for younger pieces like VJ Edgecombe and Jared McCain.

Predicted Starting Lineups – Warriors vs 76ers

Projected based on current injury designations, assuming questionable players are available unless ruled out pre-tip.

Golden State Warriors (Without Curry)

• PG: Brandin Podziemski

• SG: Will Richard

• SF: Moses Moody

• PF: Jimmy Butler III (Q)

• C: Draymond Green

This lineup emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and defensive switching. If Butler or the questionable bigs sit, expect Jonathan Kuminga, Al Horford, or Quinten Post to slot into the frontcourt.

Philadelphia 76ers (Embiid Doubtful)

• PG: Tyrese Maxey

• SG: VJ Edgecombe

• SF: Justin Edwards

• PF: Dominick Barlow

• C: Andre Drummond

This version of the Sixers leans heavily on guard creation, fast-paced attacks, and offensive rebounding. With George ruled out, Philly may pivot to a smaller lineup featuring McCain or additional wing help off the bench.

This matchup is less about star duels and more about depth survival. Without Stephen Curry and with Joel Embiid highly unlikely to play, both teams must rely on creativity, strong guard play, and contributions from their second units.

Philadelphia enters as the slight favorites at home, but with so many question marks on both injury reports, this game is defined entirely by who takes the floor and who doesn’t.