Joel Embiid will not play for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Toronto Raptors on January 12

Joel Embiid injury update (Image via NBA)

On January 11, the Philadelphia 76ers lost 116-115 in overtime, also without Joel Embiid. Despite that loss, they enter the January 12 matchup with a 21-15 record and a four-game road winning streak. The game comes on the second night of a back-to-back road set.

Joel Embiid will not play for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Toronto Raptors on January 12, 2026 . Embiid has appeared in only 19 games so far. The six-game stretch he recently completed was his longest since January 2024. The team is 10-6 in games Embiid has missed.

The team has ruled him out due to left knee injury management and soreness in his left groin. Because of his knee, joel Embiid was first listed as questionable. Jakob Poeltl was out with a back injury, and RJ Barrett missed the game due to an ankle issue.

His absence will end a six-game stretch, which had been his longest run of games this season. Philadelphia has continued to take a careful approach with Embiid’s health. His availability has been limited for much of the year, and the team has avoided pushing him during tight stretches on the schedule. the Sixers have adjusted to long periods without him While his impact is clear when he plays. Later in the day, groin soreness became a concern, and the team downgraded him to out. The decision followed a familiar pattern this season, with swelling and soreness continuing after his previous surgery. Philadelphia has made it clear that protecting him for later in the season remains the priority. Philadelphia has managed to stay competitive without its center. Tyrese Maxey and Paul George have carried more responsibility, particularly on offense, helping the Sixers stay afloat. Toronto is also short-handed. Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes are both listed as questionable.