The journey of the Sixers this season has been a roller coaster ride, full of heart-stopping drops and breathless climbs. It all started with a steep drop, surged back to the heights of hope and before the fans could enjoy the success, took another dip. And at the center of it all stands one man impacting the outcome, Joel Embiid. Even if that wasn’t evident before, their 2-8 record in his absence over the last 10 games has made it clear. However, not all hope is lost. With the second half of the season still left, there’s time to buckle up and turn things around starting tonight as the Sixers visit Chicago for a showdown with the Bulls. Now, all eyes of hopeful Philly fans are focused on one question, will Joel Embiid suit up for the clash?
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Joel Embiid’s availability for Sixers vs Bulls matchup
The Cameroonian has already missed ten consecutive games because of his left knee injury and tonight will be his eleventh absence. The Philadelphia 76ers haven’t cleared Joel Embiid’s name from their injury report yet. His knee, which he had surgery on last year, has continued to give him trouble this season.
The team is proceeding with caution, as the 30-year-old’s knee has swollen. Embiid was last seen on the court against the Nets on January 4, and since then, he has been sidelined. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the medical team will re-evaluate his knee before making any decisions on whether to give him the green light to return to action.
Imago
Jan 4, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks up during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The former MVP has suited up for just 13 of Philadelphia’s 43 games this season, and in his absence, the Sixers have struggled with a 9-21 record. When Embiid has been on the floor, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists, helping the team to a 7-6 record. So, his presence could have been the difference-maker for the squad that is desperately trying to find its rhythm.
However, the Sixers’ miseries are not limited to only Joel Embiid being ruled out. Besides him, they have a lengthy injury list which could be a disadvantage for the franchise tonight. Let’s dive in to get a glimpse of both the team’s injury list.
Sixers vs Bulls injury list
Philadelphia 76ers
| Position | Players | Availability |
| C | Andre Drummond | day-to-day (toe) |
| G | Jared McCain | out (foot) |
| PG | Kyle Lowry | day-to-day (hip) |
| F | Kenyon Martin Jr | out (foot) |
| SF | Caleb Martin | day-to-day (hip) |
Chicago Bulls
| Position | Players | Availability |
| PG | Coby White | Out |
| SF | Torrey Craig | Out (Leg) |
| SG | Chris Duarte | Questionable (Personal) |
| SG | Ayo Dosunmu | Questionable (Calf) |
Depth chart
Philadelphia 76ers
| Position | Starter | 2nd | 3rd |
| PG | Tyrese Maxey | Kyle Lowry DD | Jeff Dowtin Jr. |
| SG | Kelly Oubre Jr. | Eric Gordon | Kyle Lowry DD |
| SF | Paul George | Ricky Council IV | Justin Edwards |
| PF | Caleb Martin DD | Guerschon Yabusele | Ricky Council IV |
| C | Joel Embiid O | Andre Drummond DD | Guerschon Yabusele |
Chicago Bulls
| Position | Starter | 2nd | 3rd |
| PG | Josh Giddey | Lonzo Ball | Ayo Dosunmu DD |
| SG | Coby White O | Ayo Dosunmu DD | Zach LaVine |
| SF | Zach LaVine | Dalen Terry | Talen Horton-Tucker |
| PF | Patrick Williams | Matas Buzelis | Julian Phillips |
| C | Nikola Vucevic | Jalen Smith | Adama Sanogo |
The Bulls haven’t exactly had an elite season either. They sit at 10th in the East with a 19-26 record, just above the Sixers (16-27), in a similar situation. The two teams already faced off last month, with Philly securing the win. But will they be able to repeat that success on Saturday night, or will the Bulls come out prepared for a fierce, tooth-and-nail battle? Tune in at 8:00 PM ET to catch all the live action from the United Center to witness the Eastern clash.