Sixers' Joel Embiid to miss Sunday's home game vs. Pistons

Gina Mizell, The Philadelphia Inquirer on Oct 25, 2026

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PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid will miss the Philadelphia 76ers’ home game against the Detroit Pistons Sunday night to manage plantar fasciitis, according to the NBA’s injury report.

This is not a surprise with the Sixers (3-0) on the second night of a back-to-back set. Embiid has not played both games of a back-to-back in recent seasons to manage his health, including multiple knee surgeries.

Embiid, though, quipped following Saturday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks that the assembled media should “start writing articles and put pressure on [the medical team and management] so they’ll let me play.”

Embiid, the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player, has looked far more like himself to start this season. He recorded a triple-double in Saturday’s win (28 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) and has been more impactful on the defensive end.

LeBron James, who missed Saturday’s win to manage sciatica, is not listed on the injury report. Reserve big man Jabari Walker is out due to left knee soreness after sustaining that injury during Saturday’s game, while VJ Edgecombe (abdominal bruise) is questionable to play.

That means the Sixers’ center options Sunday include Adem Bona, who has struggled in the early season, and the undersized Dean Wade and James. Ariel Hukporti, who was expected to compete for the backup center job after signing as a free agent, tore his Achilles in the preseason opener. Dominick Barlow, a small-ball option at the position, also remains out with a back issue.