The availability of superstar Joel Embiid remains a major question mark just hours before the Philadelphia 76ers are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. The Sixers have officially listed their reigning MVP as questionable, casting significant uncertainty over the crucial mid-season matchup.
Embiid's Injury Timeline and Current Status
The Philadelphia 76ers' center is battling a dual injury concern. He missed the team's previous game, a heavy 129-104 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, due to a new right ankle sprain combined with the ongoing management of a persistent right knee issue. The knee problem has been a recurring theme throughout the current campaign.
There is a sliver of positive news, as Embiid has been upgraded from 'out' to 'questionable'. The final decision on his participation will be made by head coach Nick Nurse following a pregame evaluation. At 31 years old, Embiid has already missed a substantial number of games, which threatens his eligibility for end-of-season awards and makes each lineup choice critically important.
Philadelphia 76ers' Injury Crisis and Rotation Plans
The Sixers' injury woes extend beyond their franchise player. The team will definitely be without forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain) and Trendon Watford (left adductor strain). Additionally, two-way players MarJon Beauchamp and Johni Broome are considered doubtful for the contest.
This means the scoring burden will once again fall heavily on the shoulders of guard Tyrese Maxey, who is averaging an impressive 30.7 points per game this season. Veteran forward Paul George is also expected to suit up. Should Embiid be ruled out, Quentin Grimes and Andre Drummond are poised for expanded roles, with Drummond taking on the primary responsibility of anchoring the team's interior defense and rebounding.
Season Context and Game Outlook Against Memphis
Philadelphia enters this game with a record of 16 wins and 14 losses, currently mired in a three-game losing streak. Injuries have been a key factor in this recent slide, and Embiid's absence has been particularly damaging. On the other side, the Memphis Grizzlies hold a 15-17 record and sit ninth in the competitive Western Conference, struggling with their own inconsistencies.
The matchup inside will be pivotal. Memphis relies heavily on defensive stalwart Jaren Jackson Jr. to protect the rim. A duel between Jackson Jr. and a potentially available Embiid would be the central battle of the night. The 76ers opened as narrow 1.5-point favorites with an over/under total set at 233.5 points, but these lines remain highly fluid pending the official word on Embiid's condition.
When he has played this season, Embiid has shown flashes of his dominant self. Just before sitting out, he dropped 31 points on 10-of-19 shooting in 32 minutes against the Chicago Bulls. His season averages of 21.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 44.3% shooting, while below his MVP standards, still command immense defensive attention and fundamentally alter how opponents scheme against Philadelphia.
Ultimately, the balance of this important late-December game hangs in the balance until the final announcement regarding Joel Embiid's status is made.
