Joel Embiid Expected to Play Against New Orleans Pelicans on January 31
Philadelphia 76ers fans can breathe a sigh of relief as star center Joel Embiid is expected to take the court when the team hosts the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Wells Fargo Center. Embiid is notably absent from the official injury report, a clear indicator that the team anticipates his availability for this crucial matchup.
Embiid's Injury Status and Knee Management
Throughout this season, Joel Embiid has been managing a left knee injury, requiring careful workload monitoring by the medical staff. However, his exclusion from the injury report for this game signals that he is likely ready to contribute without restrictions. Despite these ongoing concerns, Embiid has maintained an MVP-level performance since the start of the year, showcasing his resilience and consistency on the court.
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report Details
The Philadelphia 76ers enter this game with relatively few health issues, bolstering their roster strength. Here is a breakdown of their injury status:
- Paul George is fully available and not listed on the injury report.
- Quentin Grimes is probable, dealing with a right ankle sprain.
- MarJon Beauchamp is out due to an ankle injury.
On the other side, the Pelicans face a significant setback with Dejounte Murray sidelined as he recovers from a ruptured right Achilles tendon, leaving them with limited defensive options, particularly in the paint.
What to Expect If Embiid Plays
If Joel Embiid is on the floor, the Philadelphia 76ers are likely to center their offensive strategy around him near the basket. Given the Pelicans' struggles against top-tier centers this season, this could create numerous scoring opportunities inside. Additionally, Embiid's presence will be crucial in rebounding and rim protection, areas where he has excelled in recent games.
However, the team may still opt to monitor his minutes closely, especially as they conclude a three-game homestand. Avoiding overexertion before a challenging stretch of upcoming games remains a priority for the coaching staff.
Why This Game Matters for the 76ers
This matchup represents a vital opportunity for the Philadelphia 76ers to build momentum as they head into February. Securing wins against lower-ranked teams like the Pelicans is essential for strengthening their position in the playoff race. For Embiid, every healthy appearance is significant, given his history of injury setbacks, and maintaining his availability will be a key focus as the season progresses.
Embiid's participation also influences game expectations; when he plays, Philadelphia's projected scoring typically increases, making them a stronger contender in betting spreads and player markets.
In summary, unless there is a last-minute change before tipoff, Joel Embiid is expected to suit up against the Pelicans, providing the 76ers with their primary interior presence on both offense and defense.
