Joel Embiid in the Sixers uniform© Image Via Ndtv Gallery
The Philadelphia 76ers have Joel Embiid available for Friday’s Emirates NBA Cup group-stage matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The update comes after the center spent several games managing plantar fasciitis in his right foot, which recently prompted head coach Nick Nurse to limit his playing time. Philadelphia enters the contest with an 8-1 record and has already beaten Cleveland 114-106 this season. The Cavaliers will host the rematch at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse after dropping their previous two games against Oklahoma City.
Joel Embiid Available After Recent Plantar Fasciitis Concerns
Joel Embiid’s foot problem has become a concern even without a demanding schedule. He remained on Philadelphia’s injury report ahead of Monday’s game against the Chicago Bulls, despite not having played the previous night. The nurse subsequently restricted him to 24 minutes during the 76ers’ victory, keeping a close eye on the center’s workload. Embiid was candid about the discomfort after the game.
“It’s been going on like that for the last few. So yeah, it’s painful. Just got to manage it, and when it flares up pretty bad, got to take a step back. But yeah, we’ve been able to manage it, but it has its ups and downs,” he said.
Philadelphia kept him off the injury report for Wednesday’s meeting with Detroit, where the 76ers secured a 112-106 win. His availability against Cleveland is another positive development, though his playing time will remain worth monitoring.
Joel Embiid’s Injury Problems Have Followed Him Throughout His Career
The foot issue is the latest in a series of setbacks that have interrupted Embiid’s career. Knee problems have been a recurring concern, with a small meniscus tear in 2021 followed by a torn ligament in his left knee that required arthroscopic surgery in 2025. He also dealt with an LCL sprain and calf strains in 2023.
He further suffered from other injuries. A right orbital fracture, concussion, and torn ligament in his thumb affected him in 2022. His early NBA years were not free of problems either: an orbital fracture and concussion in 2018 forced him to wear a protective mask. More recently, his appendicitis required surgery in April 2026, just before the postseason. For Philadelphia, getting Embiid onto the floor is only part of the equation. The bigger concern is how much the center can contribute without aggravating another lingering problem.
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