Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers’ star center, recently faced scrutiny due to injury concerns as he entered the February 26 game against the Miami Heat listed as probable with knee and shin issues. Despite these setbacks, Embiid appeared in his second consecutive game but experienced a scare when he briefly left the court to have his ribs examined before returning to finish the game.
Following the 124-117 victory over Miami, rookie teammate VJ Edgecombe spoke out against what he described as misleading media coverage about Embiid’s injuries. Edgecombe rejected the idea that Embiid avoids playing without serious injuries, emphasizing his determination despite pain.
“The media tries to make it seem like he doesn’t want to play basketball,”
Edgecombe said to reporters on Thursday.
“I mean, come on. He’s out there in pain, and he made a big shot at the end of the game. He could barely raise his right hand. That just shows his character, too; he cares about winning.”
Edgecombe further reinforced his defense of Embiid by reiterating the star’s commitment to the team amid critics.
“Media make it seem like he don’t want to play basketball. Like come on, he’s out there in pain, he made a big shot at the end of the game, he barely could raise his right hand up. It’s Joel Embiid, bro. That’s what we talking about right now.”
Embiid logged 26 minutes during the game, contributing significantly with 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and one steal. Head coach Nick Nurse confirmed that Embiid was under a minutes restriction as part of his cautious return following a recent absence.
“It’s Joel Embiid, bro. That’s what we’re talking about right now,”
Edgecombe added.
“I know they just try to paint this bad picture about him, but it’s not true, man. I’m going to say it here. It’s not true. He wants to play. He wants to do what’s best for the team and what’s best for him.”
Embiid Maintains Focus on Long-Term Health Strategy
Despite his desire to play every game, Embiid and the 76ers have agreed on a cautious approach to managing his health this season as they prioritize his availability for the playoffs. Embiid’s injury history, including a recent second knee surgery in under two years, has required careful monitoring from the team medical staff.
At 31 years old, Embiid carries a considerable injury pedigree, dating back to his transition from Kansas to Philadelphia before the NBA draft. His willingness to play through pain in critical moments is well-known, but the organization recognizes the need to preserve his fitness for the postseason, where his impact is crucial.
The 76ers experienced some difficulties during Embiid’s recent absences, but Edgecombe insisted that Embiid is not taking rest days without cause. He supports that as soon as Embiid is medically cleared, the center is ready and eager to return to the court.
Embiid’s commitment combined with strategic management of his workload reflects the team’s intent to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term success, ensuring that one of the franchise’s key players remains effective when it counts most. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season progresses to see how this approach impacts both Embiid and the Sixers’ postseason ambitions.
VJ Edgecombe on Embiid’s late three
“Media make it seem like he don’t want to play basketball. Like come on, he’s out there in pain, he made a big shot at the end of the game, he barely could raise his right hand up. It’s Joel Embiid, bro. That’s what we talking about right now” pic.twitter.com/0keayQi2lA
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) February 27, 2026
EMBIID HITS DAGGER THREE AFTER LEAVING EARLIER IN THE GAME WITH AN INJURY‼️
CLUTCH JOEL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9kTikWhQ8Y
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 27, 2026
