The crucial decision that the Sixers have made with Joel Embiid in the NBA

The 2025/26 NBA season is already here. On October 21st, a season begins in which the Philadelphia 76ers are once again title contenders. With Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and luxury supporting players like Quentin Grimes, Guerschon Yabusele, V.J. Edgecombe, or the injured Jared McCain, the Pennsylvania franchise will go all out. However, they will also proceed with caution regarding the health of their star.

The Sixers have taken a cautious approach with their franchise player, Joel Embiid, for the 2025-26 NBA season. Although the Cameroonian center is fully recovered and in optimal physical condition, the organization has decided to implement a load management plan that will prevent him from participating in consecutive games (the so-called back-to-backs).

Sources close to the team assure that the main objective is to preserve Embiid's health throughout an extensive season, especially after several seasons where injuries have affected his availability in crucial stages. Initially, the plan would limit his participation to a maximum of 66 games, provided that no additional physical setbacks occur.

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The games Embiid will miss

The Sixers, who face 16 back-to-backs according to the official schedule, believe that this strategy is key to maximizing the performance of the reigning 2023 MVP without compromising his physical condition for the playoffs. The coaching staff and medical department have worked together to design a program that balances minutes played with the need to maintain the team's competitiveness.

The team is confident that a season with less wear and tear will allow them to reach the playoffs in top physical condition, something that has been a lingering issue in recent years.

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