After the Philadelphia 76ers’ 117–107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, rookie VJ Edgecombe spoke candidly about how the team struggles in the absence of star center Joel Embiid, who was sidelined due to knee soreness. Embiid, a pivotal figure for the 76ers this season, was ruled out before the game as the team managed his right knee and shin discomfort, highlighting the challenge Philadelphia faces without their former MVP on the court.
Throughout the season, the 76ers have remained competitive largely because of healthy contributions from Embiid and guard Tyrese Maxey. However, without Embiid’s presence against Atlanta, the team fell short despite efforts from Maxey and Edgecombe. The young guard, known for his dynamic play on both ends, delivered 20 points and 9 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory in Embiid’s absence.
Impact of Embiid’s Absence on Team Performance Against Atlanta
Prior to the All-Star break, Embiid had been performing at a high level. However, knee soreness after treatment during the break kept him out of the Hawks game to prevent further injury, with plans for re-evaluation before Philadelphia’s upcoming back-to-back. The team turned to Maxey to lead the offense, but he struggled with efficiency, scoring 28 points on 34.8% shooting, including 4-of-11 from beyond the arc.
Edgecombe acknowledged the void left by Embiid clearly.
“We miss Joel. I’m going to be honest, we miss Joel,”
he said after the game.
“It’s that simple. He’s a walking 30 points. He’s a big presence; he requires so much gravity. So now all the attention is on Tyrese, and we have to make his job easier.”
The Central Role Joel Embiid Plays for the 76ers
Joel Embiid has been the cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers for nearly ten years. Despite dealing with injuries in recent seasons, Embiid has maintained a remarkable level of play this season, appearing in 31 games and averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks per contest. His dominant presence in the paint and scoring ability have defined the team’s identity and competitive edge.
Edgecombe has consistently expressed admiration for Embiid’s talent and influence.
“I swear I’ve never seen someone really that good. Ain’t gonna lie. He good, bro. When I sit there, I sit there and just watch him. Yeah, bro,”
Edgecombe recently remarked.
Maxey’s Performance and Edgecombe’s Growth Amid Team Challenges
While Embiid’s absence presents difficulties, Tyrese Maxey has stepped up as a leading scorer, averaging a career-high 28.9 points and 6.7 assists on 46.7% shooting, helping keep the 76ers in playoff contention. Edgecombe, playing alongside these stars, has grown rapidly, putting up averages of 15 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4 assists with solid shooting percentages. His recent MVP award in the NBA Rising Stars Game underscores his rising profile within the league.
Despite their individual successes, the pressure on the team intensifies when Embiid is sidelined, emphasizing how integral he is to Philadelphia’s overall strategy and success this season.
𝐀𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐬 𝟏𝟏𝟕, 𝐒𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝟏𝟎𝟕
“We miss Joel. It’s that simple. He’s a walking 30 points.” -VJ Edgecombe pic.twitter.com/g3leGqzxQ3
— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) February 20, 2026
