As the Philadelphia 76ers approach the start of the 2025–26 NBA season, concerns surrounding Joel Embiid’s health have intensified. According to a report by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints published on August 4, 2025, there is “a growing concern” that Embiid will not be ready for the start of training camp, which is scheduled to begin on September 23. Siegel stated that “Embiid has struggled getting back on the court this offseason,” and cited league sources describing his current status with the word “bad.”
Embiid, who turned 31 earlier this year, played just 19 games during the 2024–25 NBA season. He was shut down in February after continued issues with his knee and underwent surgery in April. This followed a previous meniscus procedure during the 2023–24 season, in which he was limited to 39 games. Despite his injuries, Embiid participated in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he helped Team USA win a gold medal.
On September 26, 2024, the 76ers signed Embiid to a three-year, $193 million contract extension. The extension runs through the 2028–29 season and includes a player option worth $67,181,632 for that final year. According to ClutchPoints, some league executives believe the Sixers regret extending Embiid. One unnamed executive specifically told ClutchPoints they believe Philadelphia regrets the decision.
The 76ers also signed Paul George in free agency in 2024. George underwent surgery on his knee earlier this summer following an injury suffered during a workout. Tyrese Maxey, another key player for the team, experienced a minor injury at the start of the offseason but did not require surgery. At one point earlier this summer, the Sixers had five players on their injury list, including Embiid, Maxey, and George.
Maxey, speaking to Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, said that the team needs to be healthy and together in order to have success. He stated that without all players available and on the court, it is “extremely hard” to move forward as a team.
The 76ers finished the 2024–25 season in 13th place in the Eastern Conference. As a result, they received the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and selected VJ Edgecombe from Baylor. The team also re-signed Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon and added Trendon Watford, Jabari Walker, and Dominick Barlow. Jared McCain, whose rookie season was limited to 23 games due to injury, is expected to return. Quentin Grimes, who joined the team after being traded from Dallas, has not yet agreed to a contract extension. Guerschon Yabusele, who had previously been with the 76ers, signed with the New York Knicks.
Betting markets have responded to these developments. As of August 2025, the 76ers are listed at +3600 to win the NBA championship, ranking 13th in the league, behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are listed at +220. For the Atlantic Division, the 76ers have odds of +650, while the New York Knicks lead the division at –200, according to data from OddsChecker.
Regarding individual accolades, Joel Embiid’s MVP futures vary. MyTopSportsbooks lists Embiid at +400, placing him behind LeBron James (+350) and Luka Dončić (+525). However, DraftKings lists him further down the board, at +7000, which is the ninth-highest MVP line, according to a post on the r/sixers subreddit.
The Sixers’ over/under win total is listed at 44.5, with the over priced at –120 and the under at +100. In early moneyline and spread markets, Philadelphia is priced as a +170 underdog with a +5 spread for certain upcoming matchups, according to TheLines.
Fan polling on Liberty Ballers indicates that 39% of voters felt the 76ers’ offseason was “okay, but I need to see more,” while 22% called it “underwhelming.” The same poll placed the Sixers 13th in FanDuel’s NBA championship odds rankings as of mid-July 2025.
The preseason begins with games against the New York Knicks in Abu Dhabi on October 2 and 4. The regular season starts on October 21. As of now, there is no confirmed update from the team regarding Embiid’s availability for either the preseason or regular-season opener.
