Tyrese Maxey speaks on having Joel Embiid around the #Sixers tonight:
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Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers hugs Tyrese Maxey #0 after a 111-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center on December 23, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Just two days before the Philadelphia 76ers tipped off against the Orlando Magic, key members of the Sixers wondered if Joel Embiid would be in attendance for the Play-In Tournament battle.
One week ago, the Sixers learned that Embiid would need surgery due to appendicitis. He was ruled out for the final three games of the 2025-2026 regular season. Once the Sixers wrapped up their finale last Sunday, Embiid’s status for the Tournament was up in the air.
As many expected, Embiid was officially ruled out for the Play-In on Tuesday night. However, Embiid made it to the Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philly to support his teammates. After the game, 76ers star Tyrese Maxey revealed how much the center’s presence boosted the Sixers’ spirits.
Tyrese Maxey speaks on having Joel Embiid around the #Sixers tonight:
“Huge. Huge, man. Huge,” Maxey told reporters.
“Kyle [Lowry] called me two days ago, and he said what do you think about Joel coming to the game? It would just be a huge lift. I was like, ‘If we can, if he’s up to it.’ We didn’t even ask him. If he can then he will. And he was there. I talk to him on the phone, and I was surprised to see him there. I gave him a big hug. I’m glad to see him, man. His spirits are high.”
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 2: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Joel Embiid #21 during a timeout in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half at the Wells Fargo Center on November 2, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
All Embiid could do was sit and watch. Apparently, that’s all the 76ers needed from their superstar big man on Wednesday night.
Tyrese Maxey checked into the game for 42 minutes. He scored 31 points while racking up six assists, one steal, one block, and two rebounds.
The rookie VJ Edgecombe also clocked in for 42 minutes. The young standout had 19 points on 7-16 shooting. Edgecombe racked up a double-double with 11 rebounds.
With an all-around impressive team performance, the Sixers took care of business against the Magic, shutting them down with a 109-97 victory.
The Magic have to head back home to host the Charlotte Hornets for another Play-In battle. Meanwhile, the Sixers are playoff-bound. They will have a first-round series against the Boston Celtics, beginning on Sunday.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The 76ers haven’t revealed an official timeline for Embiid just yet.
He wasn’t expected to suit up at all this week for the Play-In. The star center’s status for Sunday comes into question, but it might be too early to have him cleared. For the time being, all Embiid can bring to the table is his presence.
The Sixers certainly seem grateful for that.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA/NFL reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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