After last season’s poor show, the Philadelphia 76ers have held up impressively in the first month of the 2025-26 season despite their challenges. Tyrese Maxey is thriving, and rookie VJ Edgecombe has embraced a two-way role. However, the team just hit a significant setback. Joel Embiid has missed the last two games with right knee soreness, a worrying development given he recently underwent surgery to fix a lingering issue in his left knee.

Is Joel Embiid playing tonight against the Pistons?

The 76ers remain hopeful Embiid can recover with rest, but ‘The Process’ is expected to take more time. With an NBA Cup matchup against the Detroit Pistons ahead, he has officially been ruled out because of the knee issue. Even with a minutes restriction already in place for the games he plays, this rule-out adds pressure to the Sixers, and they are expected to feel his absence again, especially in a game that demands stability inside.

Although Joel Embiid started the season slowly, he had begun to find his rhythm. He is averaging 19.7 points in just 23.3 minutes, underscoring his impact when available. His presence would have been valuable against a red-hot Pistons team (10-2 win record). But Embiid isn’t the only one dealing with an injury; both squads have a fair share of injuries as they head into this matchup.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Detroit Pistons injury report

Aside from Joel Embiid, the 76ers will remain without Paul George. The veteran forward is still recovering from his knee ailment. There has been a positive development as George is reportedly in the final stages of his recovery. Rookie VJ Edgecombe is listed as day-to-day with a back injury. He has been sensational thus far, putting up 15.4 points and being a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. With a questionable mark, his absence could leave Maxey with little offensive help.

However, the Pistons aren’t in great shape either. Ausar Thompson, their key POA defender, has been ruled out of the contest against Philly with a right ankle sprain. This will be the third straight game he misses. Additionally, center Isaiah Stewart, Tobias Harris, and Jaden Ivey are also out. A bright spot is that the duo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren has been upgraded to questionable after being unavailable in the win against the Bulls.

Where to watch the 76ers vs Pistons NBA Cup game

NBA fans can tune into the NBA Cup game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Detroit Pistons on Fubo TV. They will also have the option of using the NBA’s League Pass, which allows subscribers to stream every game throughout the season. And this contest could prove to be enticing.

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Game preview and what to expect

With the Pistons lacking a few of their starters, it is more of an even playing field. Tyrese Maxey has been on an absolute tear, ranking as one of the league’s leading scorers. Additionally, Edgecombe’s defense could help in containing Cade Cunningham from unleashing his architect.

At the same time, the Pistons have come a long way from being the laughingstock of the league. They are on an NBA-leading 8-game win streak, with ample options. If Duren misses, Paul Reed proved he could be the brute presence inside the paint and with Cunningham leading the way with poise, they undoubtedly enter the game as favorites. Who do you think wins? Let us know your views in the comments below.