NBA injury update: Joel Embiid’s status draws attention as Philadelphia 76ers gear up for crucial road trip against Chicago Bulls

After the Christmas break, the Philadelphia 76ers will play five games on the road starting on Friday against the Chicago Bulls. After losing to the Brooklyn Nets at home on Tuesday, the Sixers will be trying to climb back into the win column. According to the most recent injury report, Joel Embiid is expected to play if there are no problems during pregame warm-ups.

Careful management has shaped Joel Embiid's 2025–26 campaign. Due to problems with both knees, he missed time earlier and has hardly ever played on consecutive nights. Last season, Embiid struggled with a knee issue that eventually necessitated in-season surgery. In less than a year, he underwent his second knee surgery. Due to injury, he missed the first two years of his NBA career and didn't play for the 76ers until the 2016–17 campaign.

Joel Embiid listed as doubtful as Philadelphia 76ers manage key injuries ahead of Bulls clash

With the players' injuries largely resolved, the Philadelphia 76ers are getting ready for their regular-season game against the Chicago Bulls on December 26, 2025. According to the injury report, the Sixers will be without Trendon Watford (left adductor strain) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain). In an effort to get back on the floor, both players are still working through their customised exercises.

Joel Embiid is doubtful against the Bulls due to his right knee ailment. He had a scare in the third quarter when he momentarily departed after grabbing at the knee, but he was still able to play against the Nets.




His listing is related to regular knee care rather than a recent injury. That distinction is important. The Sixers have been transparent about Embiid's absences throughout the season. The squad did not hesitate to rule him out when his knees flared up earlier. The team feels he is healthy enough to be on the floor this time.

When the 76ers lost to the Brooklyn Nets in their most recent game, Embiid was back in the starting lineup. In just over 31 minutes, he concluded that game with 27 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two blocked shots. He had missed two straight games before that one. Due to an injury scare, Embiid briefly left the Nets game.

Embiid has only made 12 appearances overall for the 76ers this season. With splits of 43.5 percent from the field, 24.1 percent from the 3-point line, and 82 percent from the free-throw line, he has been averaging 21.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 blocked shots.

Injury update ahead of Bulls game: Joel Embiid remains doubtful, while several Sixers are battling illness

Even though former MVP Joel Embiid has missed a lot of time this season, Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers have been among the NBA's more unexpected teams. The Chicago Bulls, who are 14-15 this season and on the periphery of the East play-in picture, will be the Sixers' slight road favourites on Friday.

Due to illness, Dominick Barlow, Quentin Grimes, and VJ Edgecombe are all classified as questionable. They were all absent from the Nets' defeat on Tuesday. After winning four straight games, Chicago is now ranked No. 10 in the East, although it is still ranked 23rd in the league in net rating and 28th in opponent points per game.

The Sixers, on the other hand, have recently made significant progress on defence, rising to the 11th spot in the league in defensive rating. On Friday, the Sixers and Bulls will tip off at the United Centre at 7:30 p.m. EST.


Also read: NBA injury update: Will Luka Doncic suit up for Christmas Day as Los Angeles Lakers await big decision vs Houston Rockets?