Multiple 76ers give credit to Joel Embiid for playing through injuries

PHILADELPHIA -- When one watches Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid at the moment, it's obvious that he isn't at 100%. The 2023 MVP winner is fighting through hip and ankle injuries, as well as coming back sooner than expected from an April 9 appendectomy, and is on the floor for this group to provide the production they need.

Embiid had only 18 points on 7-for-17 shooting in Friday's Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks, but it's obvious that he isn't himself. He only had 14 points on 3-for-11 shooting in Game 1 and was unable to play in Game 2 because of the aforementioned hip and ankle injuries.

There are many people who question his toughness, but his team certainly appreciates him being out there.

"I mean, it means everything," said Paul George. "We know what he's going through. We know how tough it is on his body, and the work he's putting in to get prepared to try to come out and play. We appreciate it. We appreciate it. I think the fans appreciate it. Philadelphia, appreciates it, but yeah, it means a lot to see 21 suited up and giving it a go."

Embiid has battled through a ton of adversity and injury issues in the 2025-26 season as he was limited to only 38 games in the regular season. That was double what he played in 2024-25, but the big fella is doing his best to be out there for the Sixers and the city of Philadelphia.

"It means a lot," added VJ Edgecombe. "It shows heart, shows that he wanted to be on the floor. Some things are unfortunate, obviously, with his body and injuries are unfortunate. Some things you can't control. So, you can't control (if) someone dives on your leg or something like that. So, it just shows his heart and his passion, his love for the game."

The Sixers are currently trailing the Knicks 3-0, but this is the same group that rallied to beat the Boston Celtics after trailing that series 3-1. They are confident they can do the same right now, and Embiid is going to be a big part of that.